CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) New Hampshire officials are sounding the alarm after hundreds of Granite Staters lost more than $22 million last year to cryptocurrency scams.

Attorney General John M. Formella said on Monday that his office continues to see a surge in fraud tied to Bitcoin and other digital assets, with criminals exploiting the technology’s speed and anonymity to prey on consumers.

“Cryptocurrencies can seem exciting, but they also present opportunities for fraudsters to steal money quickly across borders,” Formella said. “New Hampshire consumers need to be cautious and understand the warning signs before sending money or investing.”

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau released new guidance this week outlining common tactics scammers use and how residents can protect themselves. Among the most prevalent schemes are:

  • Impersonating government agencies, law enforcement, tech support, or celebrities

  • Developing fake romantic relationships online before asking for money or investments

  • Posing as a relative or loved one in urgent need of cash

  • Promising high returns through bogus cryptocurrency investment opportunities

  • Using messaging apps such as Telegram or WhatsApp while impersonating crypto exchange staff

These schemes often fall under so-called “pig butchering” scams, in which criminals spend weeks or months building trust before persuading victims to hand over money that disappears once transferred.

Officials urged anyone who suspects they’ve been targeted to report the incident to local police, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, and the New Hampshire Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Bureau. Complaints can also be filed by phone at (603) 271-3641 or online at doj.nh.gov/consumer/complaints.

The Consumer Protection Bureau enforces the state’s Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits deceptive or unfair business practices.