Attorney General Kris Mayes has issued a warning to Arizona residents about the risks of home contracting and construction scams. The announcement follows the recent prosecution of a fraudulent contractor who defrauded victims in Tucson out of $75,000 for unfinished home improvement projects.
“Home improvement projects can be expensive, and with families struggling with just basic costs of living, I can understand why Arizonans may be tempted by a cheaper offer when faced with home construction needs,” said Attorney General Mayes. “But if you are diligent on the front end, you can save yourself a world of hurt on the backend. Do yourself a favor and go with one of Arizona’s over 60,000 licensed contractors when picking home improvement vendors.”
Tom Cole, Director of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, highlighted the importance of collaboration between agencies. “Collaborating with prosecuting authorities such as the Arizona Attorney General allows the Arizona Registrar of Contractors to ensure that fraudsters and thieves in the construction industry face real consequences, reinforcing the agency’s role as a strong consumer protector,” Cole said. “These partnerships not only deter future misconduct but also promote a fair, trustworthy marketplace for legitimate contractors and Arizona homeowners alike.”
Attorney General Mayes outlined several common signs associated with contracting scams. These include contractors soliciting door-to-door claiming they are working nearby or offering leftover materials from previous jobs. Scam contractors often request payment upfront or pressure consumers into making quick decisions without seeking multiple quotes. They may also insist on payment through cash, gift cards, Zelle or other direct methods rather than credit cards.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, residents are encouraged to verify contractor licenses through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors’ website (roc.az.gov) or by calling 1-877-692-9762 (1-877-MY-AZROC). Additional recommendations include seeking referrals from trusted sources and checking for complaints against contractors through organizations like the Home Builders Association and Better Business Bureau.
Written estimates should detail work descriptions, materials needed, completion dates and pricing; suspiciously low prices should raise concerns. Residents are advised to sign contracts after careful review since state law requires specific information in residential construction agreements exceeding $1,000.
If individuals believe they have been defrauded by an unlicensed or licensed contractor, they should file complaints with Arizona’s Registrar of Contractors. The Attorney General’s Office works alongside this agency once complaints are submitted. Suspected scams can also be reported to federal authorities such as the FTC or tracked via resources like the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker.
