Fresh Hampshire Attorney General Urges Residents to “Slam the Scam” as Fraud Losses Rise

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella is urging residents to be vigilant against scams as part of National “Slam the Scam” Day, observed annually on March 5th. The campaign aims to help consumers recognize and avoid fraudulent schemes, which are increasing in both scale, and sophistication.

Growing Threat of Scams

According to the Attorney General’s office, scams are targeting a wide range of individuals and entities, including seniors, families, small businesses, and even government agencies. “Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and more aggressive,” Formella stated in a recent announcement.

National data reveals a significant increase in scam-related losses. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that Americans lost over $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year according to the Attorney General’s office. Investment scams accounted for over $5.7 billion in losses, while imposter scams totaled nearly $2 billion.

Five Warning Signs of a Scam

The New Hampshire Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau has identified five key warning signs that residents should be aware of:

• Urgency: Be wary of messages demanding immediate action or a quick response.
• Cash Conversion: Scammers often request payment through hard-to-trace methods like cryptocurrency, gift cards, or prepaid debit cards.
• Unsolicited Payment Requests: Avoid making payments via phone, email, or text unless you initiated the contact and have verified the recipient’s identity.
• Suspicious Links: Do not click on links sent by unknown contacts.
• Threats and Fear Tactics: Scammers frequently use threats of arrest, financial loss, or other negative consequences to pressure victims.

How to Protect Yourself and Report Fraud

Officials emphasize the importance of slowing down, staying skeptical, and never sharing money or personal information with unsolicited contacts. To stay informed and protect yourself, consider the following:

• Follow #SlamTheScam posts on social media and share them with others.
• Be skeptical of unexpected contact from businesses or organizations.
• Hang up on suspicious calls or delete suspicious messages.
• Do not click on links from unknown sources.
• Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission.
• Visit ftc.gov/scams for the latest information on scams and tactics.

Resources for New Hampshire Residents

The New Hampshire Department of Justice Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau investigates unfair, deceptive, or unreasonable practices. Residents can file a complaint by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-468-4454 or by filing a complaint online at https://www.doj.nh.gov/consumer/complaints.