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CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella is urging residents to stay alert to fraud as part of National “Slam the Scam” Day on March 5, a campaign aimed at helping consumers recognize and avoid scams.
The New Hampshire Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau says scams continue to grow in both scale and sophistication, targeting seniors, families, small businesses, and even government agencies.
“Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and more aggressive,” Formella said in a statement. “Our message to Granite Staters is simple: slow down, stay skeptical, and never send money or personal information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.”
Officials say awareness is the first defense against fraud and shared five warning signs residents should watch for. These include unexpected messages demanding urgent action, requests to convert cash into cryptocurrency or gift cards, and messages asking for payment or personal information through calls, texts, or email. Authorities also warn against clicking links sent by unknown contacts and say threats of arrest, financial loss, or other consequences are common tactics used to pressure victims.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost more than $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, a 25 percent increase from the previous year. Investment scams accounted for more than $5.7 billion in losses, while imposter scams totaled nearly $2.95 billion.
State officials encourage residents to hang up on suspicious callers, delete questionable messages, and verify requests for money or information before responding. Suspected scams can be reported online through the FTC’s fraud reporting website.
Consumers can also file complaints with the New Hampshire Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-468-4454 or through the agency’s online complaint form.