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Fighting fraud, fueling trust, and educating communities across Maryland
2024 Scam Tracker Risk Report
In 2024, $12.5 billion was lost to fraud (FTC). That's why each day, Marylanders—just like you—work to help their neighbors avoid scams and unethical business practices. Our network of supporters, volunteers, and business leaders shares one mission: to build a safer, more trustworthy marketplace for everyone.
We teach scam safety, emphasize truth in advertising and equip the public with the tools they need to make confident purchase decisions. We do this work to ensure Maryland shoppers are savvy, because a well-informed community is the best defense against fraud.
Romance and friendship scams also surged, becoming the third riskiest scam category for the first time since the BBB began tracking this data.
What these scams have in common is financial grooming: scammers build trust and emotional connection before exploiting victims for money.
More than 80% of those targeted by crypto-related investment scams reported financial loss, with a median loss of $5,000, making it the second highest among all scam types. These scams often involve convincing individuals to trade or store digital currencies through fraudulent platforms or deceptive schemes.
The report also sheds light on scam tactics, victim demographics, and the behaviors that may increase someone’s vulnerability, offering deeper insight into today’s evolving fraud landscape.
Not everyone can lead a workshop or teach fraud prevention. But everyone can make a difference.
Some scams make headlines—others quietly devastate lives. With your support, we can respond quickly, educate vulnerable communities, and expand our outreach to those who need it most. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible and fuels a safer, more trustworthy marketplace in Maryland.
