In 2025, Arizona has made important measures to safeguard consumers against fraud, with a particular emphasis on consumer awareness programs, corporate identification, and stronger safeguards for vulnerable populations. Here is a summary of the main laws and efforts aimed at preventing consumer fraud that were implemented this year.
1. Stricter Identification Rules for Business Filings
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) will demand two kinds of identification from anyone filing business filings in person as of June 16, 2025.
Changes to LLC Filing: LLCs can now designate people who are permitted to sign documents on the company’s behalf by submitting a Signing Authority Form. You must fill out this form in person while carrying legitimate identification.
Confirmation of Inactive enterprises: In order to verify the operating status of enterprises that have not been active for two years, the ACC will get in touch with them. A company runs the risk of going out of business if it doesn’t react.
The goal of these modifications is to enhance verification processes and lessen business identity theft.
2. Educational Campaigns to Raise Awareness
A series of public service advertisements was released by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to help safeguard customers from fraud.
The campaigns seek to inform consumers about typical frauds, such as:
AI-powered celebrity endorsement fraud.
People moving are the target of moving scams.
cryptocurrency fraud, especially when it comes to scams employing cryptocurrency.
call scams with AI that aim to trick customers.
In order to facilitate speedier investigations and better consumer protection, the AG encourages people to report frauds as soon as possible to the BBB or the AG’s office.
3. Arizona Consumer Fraud Act (ACFA) Protections
Strong protection against dishonest marketing and sales tactics is offered under the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act (ACFA). In accordance with this law:
Within a year following the incident, customers may file a lawsuit for deceptive business practices.
Penalties for willful breaking of the law can reach $10,000 per infraction.
The Attorney General can hold hearings and issue subpoenas to look into fraud, among other extensive powers.
This law gives customers the power to sue companies that engage in dishonest business practices and hold them accountable.
4. Special Protections for Older Adults Against Crypto Scams
Due in large part to cryptocurrency ATMs, older folks are more susceptible to cryptocurrency scams. Arizona passed HB 2387 to address this, enforcing the following safeguards:
Crypto ATMs set daily transaction restrictions to stop big, dangerous transactions.
All cryptocurrency ATM transaction receipts.
Crypto ATMs have visible fraud warnings and customer service hotlines for help.
The goal of these precautions is to keep senior citizens safe from bitcoin scams.
5. Ongoing Law Enforcement and Legislative Efforts
Arizona officials are stepping up their efforts to combat fraud by proposing new laws and allocating additional resources:
To combat different forms of fraud, cross-agency task forces are being established.
To enhance fraud detection and response throughout the state, a centralized database for fraud reporting is being created.
Lawmakers are working hard to find all-encompassing solutions that can shield citizens from various scams, such as investment fraud, cryptocurrency fraud, and toll scams.
Summary Table of Arizona Consumer Fraud Prevention
Initiative/Policy | Description | Impact on Consumers |
---|---|---|
Two-Form ID for Filings | New ID requirements for business filings | Deters business identity theft and fraud |
Educational Campaigns | Public service videos on common scams | Raises awareness and enables self-protection |
Arizona Consumer Fraud Act | Legal recourse for fraudulent sales and marketing practices | Penalties for violators, consumer lawsuits |
Crypto ATM Protections | Transaction limits, receipts, fraud warnings | Protects vulnerable older adults |
Law Enforcement Resources | More funding, task forces, fraud reporting systems | Improved detection and prevention efforts |
References: