Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is warning residents about a rise in “smishing” scams, a form of fraud involving text messages designed to deceive people into sharing sensitive information or downloading malware. Mayes emphasized the importance of not clicking on links or responding to suspicious messages, and instead recommends deleting them. In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission reported a 25% increase in consumer fraud with losses exceeding $12.5 billion, highlighting the urgency of addressing these scams. Arizona’s Consumer Information and Complaints Unit received nearly 22,000 scam complaints, resulting in $5.2 million recovered for consumers. Examples of smishing scams include messages about unpaid tolls, fake job offers, and phony bank alerts. Mayes advises residents to be cautious of messages from unknown numbers, avoid clicking on links or providing personal information, and use multi-factor authentication for sensitive accounts. By staying vigilant and following these precautions, residents can protect themselves from falling victim to smishing scams.
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