Protect Your Retirement: Investment Scams Targeting Arizona Seniors
Arizona seniors lost $68,021,190 to investment fraud in 2024 – the highest loss category in the state. As a top retirement destination, Arizona attracts criminals targeting retirees with fake investment opportunities.
Arizona: Retirees’ Savings at Risk
Arizona’s $68 million in senior investment losses reflects our retirement-heavy demographics:
- 401(k) rollover targets: New retirees moving to Arizona are approached to “move” retirement accounts to fake investments
- Real estate schemes: Fake Arizona land and development investments targeting out-of-state seniors planning to relocate
- Gold/silver near-border: Precious metal scams playing on Arizona’s mining history and border proximity
- Resort/timeshare fraud: Fake vacation ownership schemes in Scottsdale, Sedona, and Lake Havasu
Arizona-Specific Investment Scam Patterns
The “Arizona Land Investment”: Scammers sell worthless desert lots claiming future development, targeting out-of-state buyers planning Arizona retirement.
Active Adult Community “Special Funds”: Fake investment clubs targeting Sun City and similar communities with fake “resident-only” opportunities.
Mining/Mineral Rights Fraud: Selling fake mining claims or mineral rights, exploiting Arizona’s legitimate mining industry.
Arizona Corporation Commission – Your First Call
Arizona’s securities regulator is your best resource for verifying investments:
- Securities Division: (602) 542-4242
- Verify investments: azcc.gov/divisions/securities
- Check advisor licenses: Any legitimate advisor must be registered with ACC
- File complaints: Free and confidential
Common Investment Scams in Arizona
Cryptocurrency Fraud
Fake crypto trading platforms promising guaranteed returns. Often starts through social media or dating apps.
Fake Financial Advisors
Criminals pose as licensed advisors to convince seniors to transfer retirement accounts to accounts they control.
Precious Metals Scams
High-pressure sales convincing seniors to convert retirement savings into overpriced or non-existent gold or silver.
Real Estate Investment Fraud
Fake Arizona property investments or vacation rental schemes targeting out-of-state retirees moving to Arizona.
Warning Signs of Investment Fraud
- Guaranteed high returns with no risk
- Pressure to act immediately
- Unregistered investments or unlicensed sellers
- Complex strategies that cannot be explained
- Difficulty withdrawing your money
- Romance connections who suggest investments
Step-by-Step: How to Verify an Investment in Arizona
Step 1: Check Arizona Corporation Commission
Arizona’s securities regulator:
- Phone: (602) 542-4242
- Website: azcc.gov/divisions/securities
Step 2: Check FINRA BrokerCheck
- Website: brokercheck.finra.org
- Phone: (800) 289-9999
Step 3: Check SEC EDGAR Database
- Website: sec.gov/edgar
Report Investment Fraud in Arizona
- Arizona Corporation Commission: (602) 542-4242
- Arizona AG: (800) 352-8431
- SEC: sec.gov/tcr
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