Maryland residents reported approximately $390.2 million in cybercrime losses in 2025, with cryptocurrency-related fraud accounting for a substantial share, according to state figures compiled from FBI complaint data. As scams become more sophisticated in 2026, authorities are warning residents about fraudulent investments, impersonation calls, identity theft and financial exploitation targeting older and vulnerable adults.
The FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report documents the growing financial impact of online crime nationwide. Meanwhile, a separate Consumer Federation of America estimate reported by Patch suggests Maryland’s annual online scam losses could reach approximately $1.7 billion when unreported cases are considered. That figure is an estimate, not an official count of confirmed losses.
Maryland Reports Millions in Cybercrime Losses
Maryland recorded 19,430 internet crime complaints in 2025, according to figures compiled from FBI data. Reported losses totaled approximately $390.2 million, highlighting the financial risks facing households across the state.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) collects reports involving online investment fraud, phishing, identity theft, impersonation and other internet-related offenses. Its annual reports provide national and state-level information to help illustrate the scope of reported cybercrime.
However, complaint figures do not capture every incident. Some victims never report their losses, while others may not realize immediately that they have been targeted. The Consumer Federation of America’s findings, reported by Patch, estimate that Maryland’s actual online scam losses substantially exceed the amounts reported to authorities.
Cryptocurrency Scams Drive Major Financial Losses
Cryptocurrency fraud is a significant concern for Maryland residents. According to the state-level figures compiled by Cautellus, cryptocurrency-related complaints accounted for approximately $246.5 million in reported losses in 2025, representing about 63% of the state’s reported cybercrime total.
Many schemes begin with fake investment websites that display fabricated profits and encourage victims to deposit increasingly large amounts. Once victims attempt to withdraw their money, criminals may block access or demand additional fees.
Romance-based investment fraud, sometimes known as pig-butchering scams, combines online relationship-building with fraudulent investment opportunities. Criminals gain a victim’s trust through dating applications or social media before persuading them to transfer funds to accounts or cryptocurrency wallets they control.
Fraudulent job offers can also lead to fake trading platforms or requests for cryptocurrency payments. Residents should be suspicious of guaranteed returns, unsolicited investment advice and demands for additional money to release supposed profits.
The FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report provides additional information about cryptocurrency-related complaints and losses nationwide.
Impersonation Scams Cost Maryland Victims Millions
Fraudsters also pose as government officials, bank employees and technology-support representatives to pressure people into transferring money.
On February 2, 2026, the FBI Baltimore Field Office reported the results of a joint investigation into international call-center schemes involving government impersonation and technology-support fraud. Nearly two dozen Maryland complaints linked to the investigated operation involved approximately $6.26 million in losses. Nationwide, the investigation identified nearly $48.8 million in losses associated with the schemes.
According to the FBI, criminals used deceptive calls and other tactics to convince victims that their accounts or identities were connected to criminal activity. Victims were pressured to move money through bank transfers, cryptocurrency transactions, cash shipments or gold purchases.
A caller’s displayed phone number does not prove their identity because scammers can spoof legitimate numbers. Residents should end unexpected calls involving urgent payment demands and contact the organization independently using a verified number.
New Protections Target Financial Exploitation
Older adults and vulnerable residents can face additional risks when criminals exploit trust, fear or isolation.
On October 20, 2026, Montgomery County unanimously approved its Financial Exploitation Protection Act, according to local reporting on the legislation. The measure prohibits deceptive practices, intimidation or undue influence used to obtain money, property or services from residents aged 68 and older or vulnerable adults.
The legislation also gives the county’s Office of Consumer Protection authority to establish a voluntary mediation program for consumer disputes involving financial exploitation.
Families can help protect older relatives by discussing suspicious calls, reviewing unfamiliar financial requests and encouraging them to seek independent advice before transferring money.
How Maryland Residents Can Report and Prevent Fraud
Residents can take several practical steps to reduce their risk:
- Verify unexpected calls: Hang up and contact the bank or agency using a trusted phone number.
- Protect account information: Never disclose passwords, one-time verification codes or sensitive financial details to unexpected callers.
- Avoid rushed payments: Treat demands for cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers or gold as potential warning signs.
- Secure online accounts: Use unique passwords and multifactor authentication, and review bank statements regularly.
- Preserve evidence: Save messages, receipts, transaction details and phone numbers if fraud is suspected.
Victims should contact their bank or payment provider immediately to ask whether a transaction can be stopped or challenged. They can also file reports with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and local law enforcement.
Maryland’s reported cybercrime losses underscore the importance of recognizing fraudulent tactics and reporting suspicious activity promptly. Although reporting cannot guarantee reimbursement, early action may help financial institutions and investigators respond before additional losses occur.
