Overview

• From 2023 through May 2025, at least 103 New England cases caused more than $26 million in losses, with nearly 98% of victims over 60.
• Losses by state included Massachusetts with 59 victims losing $18,642,975, Maine with 16 victims losing $2,687,919, New Hampshire with 15 victims losing $4,136,449, and Rhode Island with 13 victims losing $557,348.
• Scammers pose as relatives, government officials, or tech support, then dispatch in-person couriers for cash or gold and may provide codes or passwords to fake legitimacy.
• Nationwide, at least 1,737 reports totaled about $186 million in losses, and officials say the true impact is likely higher because many incidents go unreported.
• FBI Boston says it is working with law enforcement, community and private partners, and Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks calls the schemes cruel while urging families to talk with older loved ones.