Highlights
- AG Kris Mayes issued a consumer alert Wednesday warning of scammers targeting storm-damaged Arizona properties.
- Arizonans can verify contractor licenses at roc.az.gov or by calling (602) 542-1525 before signing any repair contract.
- Payment by gift card or cryptocurrency is a definitive scam signal, Mayes said; full payment should only follow completed, verified work.
- Residents who believe they have been defrauded can file a complaint through the Attorney General's website.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a consumer alert Wednesday warning that scammers and unlicensed contractors are targeting residents seeking repairs after monsoon storm damage.
"Be wary of anyone promising immediate clean-up or repairs after a weather event," Mayes said in the alert. "Scammers and unlicensed contractors often appear after weather events or natural disasters looking to take advantage of people in need. I urge Arizonans to remain vigilant when seeking assistance after a weather event."
Mayes outlined several protective steps. Residents should contact their insurance company first to confirm coverage, seek referrals from trusted contacts, and obtain multiple written estimates before selecting a contractor. Any legitimate contractor will provide a written contract specifying scope of work, cost, and timeline.
Contractor licensing is verifiable through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors at roc.az.gov or by calling (602) 542-1525. Arizona law requires most contractors to hold a license through that agency.
Mayes flagged payment method as the clearest fraud indicator: anyone demanding payment by gift card or cryptocurrency is a scammer. Full payment should be withheld until work is complete and verified; a reasonable deposit may be requested, but nothing more. Residents should also watch for imposter scams in which fraudsters pose as safety inspectors, government officials, or utility workers, and should ask for identification or call the agency directly to confirm.
The alert was corroborated by the AG's office directly and covered by the Daily Independent. Residents who believe they have been targeted by consumer fraud can file a complaint through the Attorney General's website.
Sources
Every factual claim in this article traces to one of the sources below. See how we work for the editorial process.
- AZ Family (3TV/CBS5) retrieved 12/08/2026 21:45
Authored by The Scottsdale Signal. Drafted by AI from primary-source material under our beat-specific editorial guides; reviewed by humans before publish under our five-gate process. Sources retrieved at 12/08/2026 21:45. Every claim traces to a source.
