Attorney General Kris Mayes is encouraging Arizonans to educate themselves about the risks of identity theft as part of Identity Theft Awareness Week. This week serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks of identity theft and the importance of protecting personal information.

“I encourage Arizonans to familiarize themselves with the risks of identity theft and the steps they can take to prevent becoming a victim of fraud,” said Attorney General Mayes. “Simple steps like using strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication, avoiding accessing sensitive information on public networks, carefully examining incoming text messages, and promptly removing mail from physical mailboxes can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft.”

Identity theft is a serious issue that can affect anyone, with individuals’ personal information being used in various fraudulent activities, such as opening accounts, stealing tax refunds, or filing fake health insurance claims. The first step in combating this threat is awareness and education.

During Identity Theft Awareness Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers a range of webinars and detailed information on preventing identity theft. The FTC’s website also offers a wealth of resources for consumers, including how to register for the Do Not Call list, sign up for consumer alerts, and obtain free credit reports.

In case of identity theft, the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov website offers a one-stop resource for victims, providing checklists and sample letters to guide them through the recovery process.

If you believe you have been the victim of consumer fraud, you can file a consumer complaint by visiting the Attorney General’s website. If you need a complaint form sent to you, contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at (800) 352-8431.