National Scam Call and Fraud Trends for 2025
This year, scam calls have continued to disrupt daily life for millions of Americans. In April alone, our phones rang with almost 5 billion robocalls. Source: Robocall Index
Beyond the annoyance, these calls can take a real toll on our well-being.
Research shows that scam victims in the U.S. often suffer severe stress and anxiety, regardless of how much money they lose. One recent study of 150 American debit and credit card fraud victims found the psychological impacts were greater than the financial losses, with victims reporting persistent stress, fear, and emotional harm. Source: Cornell University
While this may feel overwhelming, each unwanted call is a reminder to stay vigilant.
Quick Tips:
- Be cautious with unknown numbers.
- Avoid giving out personal details over the phone.
- Report suspicious calls to the FTC or your state’s consumer protection office.
- If you do fall victim, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Who to contact for help: Many local nonprofits and consumer protection agencies offer support and recovery assistance. Together, we can slow the flood of fraud that targets households every day.
State-by-State Scam Call Info
Below we will list scam call and fraud information for each state in the United States. Note: The section is being updated regularly for each state.
Alaska's Fraud Reality in 2024
Scams in Alaska may look different from those in other states, but they can still cause serious damage. In 2024, residents filed 7,279 fraud and related reports, losing nearly $27 million in total. On average, losses were about $525 each victim. Alaska’s population is small, the financial impact hits much harder. Alaska ranks 31st in fraud reports, with scammers knowing how to take full advantage of the state’s isolation and limited consumer options. Source: Federal Trade Commission
Alaska’s Consumer Protection in Action
Alaska may rank lower than many states in the total number of fraud reports, but its government has built protections that reflect its unique challenges. The Consumer Protection Unit at the Alaska Department of Law zeroes in on scams that hit remote communities hard. Instead of just tossing out warnings, the unit helps residents and businesses settle disputes before things escalate. When scams cross that line, Alaska uses enforcement actions to protect entire communities spread across the state’s vast geography. Source: Alaska Department of Law
Fraud may not grab headlines in Alaska the way it does in larger states, but the state’s higher per-person losses reveal how vulnerable residents can be. Scammers are adapting their tactics, and Alaska’s remote communities remain prime targets, making strong prevention and consumer protection efforts all the more vital.
Arizona's Fraud Reality in 2024
Arizonans are all too familiar with the costly consequences of scam calls and fraud. Last year, people in the state lost $336 million to various types of fraud schemes, with identity theft being the primary culprit. On average, each victim lost about $600, but many lost far more. Interestingly, Arizona ranked 11th in the nation for fraud reports in 2024, putting the state above average compared to most others. Source: Federal Trade Commission
Arizona’s Consumer Protection in Action: Arizona's Consumer Protection Division is a trusted source for Arizonans who want to stay up to date on the latest scams. They share alerts, practical tips, and clear ways to report fraud when it happens. But they don't just stop at information. The division also looks into fraud cases directly to hold scammers accountable and help prevent more people from being targeted. Source: Arizona Attorney General’s Office
The hard part is that many people don't take advantage of the government assistance available to help victims of fraud, missing out on resources that could make a real difference.
Fraud may hit Arizona harder than many other states, and the losses are a reminder of just how determined scammers can be. Every year, they find new ways to reach people and drain hard-earned money from families and communities.
California's Fraud Reality in 2024
In 2024, California ranked 17th in the nation for fraud and other reports. Californians filed more than 500,000 complaints with the Federal Trade Commission, the total loss for all these complaints tragically added up to almost $1.7 billion in losses. The typical loss came in at $542, with over 20% of the cases being categorized as identity theft. The sheer size of the problem shows how quickly fraud can spread in the country’s largest state. Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024
California’s Consumer Protection in Action
In Irvin, a recent California case highlighted how personal identity schemes can get. The case involved a couple who stole the identities of 21 patients and filed fraudulent medical insurance claims, including COVID tests that never were administered. The California Department of Insurance stepped in and brought with them felony charges for the couple. Source: California Department of Insurance
Fraud in California may look bigger than anywhere else, but the damage is personal in every case. With so many people and so much money moving through the state, scams thrive on sheer volume. What sets California apart is how often those schemes land close to home, forcing residents to stay alert even in the most ordinary parts of life.
Connecticut's Fraud Reality in 2024
Connecticut ranked 20th in the nation for fraud and other reports per capita in 2024. Residents filed almost 44,000 fraud and related reports with the Federal Trade Commission that year. Reported losses added up to over $90 million, with a median loss of $432, and credit bureaus and information furnishers topped the list of complaints at 19 percent, edging out imposter scams and other categories. Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024
Connecticut’s Consumer Protection in Action
One case that stood out in 2024 targeted businesses rather than individual consumers. A company called CT UCC Statement Service sent letters that looked like official government notices, demanding $90 for a Uniform Commercial Code report. The Connecticut Attorney General warned that the notices were misleading and that UCC records are free through the Secretary of State’s website. Source: Office of the Attorney General William Tong
For small businesses trying to keep their doors open, even a small financial hit can be costly.
The bigger point is clear: double-checking notices and investigating anything suspicious before paying keeps money in local hands and makes it harder for scams like these to survive.
Florida's Fraud Reality in 2024
In 2024, Florida topped the nation in fraud, taking the number one spot in the Federal Trade Commission’s annual rankings. Residents filed more than 474,000 complaints, and losses added up to more than $866 million. While the median loss was only $520, many people were hit far harder. The scale of the problem makes clear that fraud is not just an inconvenience in Florida—it’s a costly, statewide concern. Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024
Florida’s Consumer Protection in Action
The Florida Attorney General’s Office leads the fight against fraud with programs designed to educate and protect consumers. Its Fraud Hotline, 1-866-966-7226, also known as 1-866-9NO-SCAM, gives residents a direct way to report scams and get help. The office also produces regular consumer alerts and publishes “Scams at a Glance,” short guides that highlight warning signs of common schemes. Source: Florida Attorney General – Consumer Protection
Fraud in Florida is not static, and scammers continue to change their approach as new technologies and communication methods open the door to more victims. With close to a billion dollars in documented losses last year, and likely much more that went unreported, the problem shows no sign of slowing down.
Georgia’s Fraud Reality in 2024
Fraud is hitting Georgia hard. Last year, residents filed more than 228,000 fraud and other complaints with the Federal Trade Commission, reporting losses that topped $291 million. The typical loss was about $450, and Georgia ranked second in the nation for both overall complaints and identity theft. Source: Federal Trade Commission
Georgia’s Consumer Protection in Action
State officials aren’t ignoring the problem. The Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division has been busy investigating deceptive businesses, warning the public about new scams, and sharing tips that Georgia citizens can use to protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud. The division has gone after fake debt collectors and warned residents about imposter scams. Source: Georgia Attorney General
Important phone numbers:
- Consumer Complaints: (404) 651-8600
- Toll-free in Georgia: (800) 869-1123
- Other Issues: (404) 458-3800
Georgia’s position as a major business and transportation hub makes it an easy target for scammers, and the problem won’t disappear overnight. Still, stronger enforcement, public awareness, and easy-to-access resources are giving residents better ways to fight back. With
Hawaii’s Fraud Reality in 2024
Compared to much of the country, Hawaii’s 2024 fraud picture shows sharp losses, but still ranks slightly better than average at 33rd out of 50 states. Residents filed over 14,000 fraud and related reports with the Federal Trade Commission, and those reports totaled over $61 million in reported losses, with the median loss per reported scam at $600. While many cases involved smaller amounts, families in Hawaii are already coping with the islands’ high cost of living. These scams often meant a serious financial blow. Source: Federal Trade Commission
Hawaii’s Consumer Protection in Action
The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) at the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs helps Hawaii consumers who’ve been misled or cheated. The department takes complaints about unfair business practices. They also believe that informed consumers are the strongest defense against fraud and deception. That’s why the office organizes, promotes, and delivers consumer education programs across Hawaii.
Source:
State of Hawaii
Scammers often leverage what makes the islands distinct, such as steady tourism, distributed island communities, and high living costs, but those same ties help Hawaii fight back. For island residents, talking about scams and reporting suspicious activity is a practical way to protect the Hawaiian residents and the visitor economy, and the aloha that binds the islands together.
Iowa’s Fraud Reality in 2024
Compared to much of the country, Iowans are performing well in fraud prevention. In 2024, Iowa ranked 48th in the nation for fraud reports per capita. Residents filed nearly 23,000 fraud and related reports with the Federal Trade Commission, and these cases added up to $52 million in reported losses, with the median loss per reported scam at $400. While that figure may seem modest, for many households it represents a painful financial hit, and for others, the losses climbed much higher. From rural towns to urban hubs like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, scammers are actively targeting Iowans. Source: Federal Trade Commission
Iowa’s Consumer Protection in Action
Iowans may be cautious shoppers, but scams and deceptive business practices still reach into communities across the state. The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division works to protect consumers from fraud, ensure fair competition, and keep the public informed about how to avoid becoming a victim. Source: State of Iowa Office of the Attorney General
Fraud in Iowa is not just a number; it impacts farmers, small business owners, college students, and families that come from both bustling cities and quiet rural towns. Iowa’s strong sense of community and neighborhood networks give residents a unique advantage. Iowans help safeguard not just their own finances, but the integrity of the local economy that supports everything from family farms to Main Street businesses.
Idaho's Fraud Reality in 2024
Idaho ranked 45th in the nation for fraud and other reports per capita in 2024. Residents filed just over 16,000 fraud and related complaints with the Federal Trade Commission, and reported losses totaled about $54 million. The median loss was $490, and imposter scams were the single largest category at 19 percent of all complaints. Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024
Idaho’s Consumer Protection in Action
In 2025, Idaho passed the Report and Hold law which allows financial institutions to pause suspicious transactions for up to 15 days when staff suspect an older adult or a person with disabilities may be the target of financial exploitation. That short pause lets banks contact state authorities, reach out to a trusted family member or caregiver, and review the transfer steps that can stop a scam that depends on speed and pressure. The change gives investigators and families a real window to act before money disappears. Source: AARP Idaho
Fraud may not top the charts in Idaho, but its impact is felt everywhere in a state where independence and community ties run deep, and scams often cut against the very values people take pride in. In a state where people often bank locally, a short pause gives families and investigators a real chance to stop a bad transfer.
Statewide laws should evolve to protect independence without replacing it.
Kansas's Fraud Reality in 2024
Kansas ranked 46th in the nation for fraud and other reports in 2024, putting it on the lower end compared to many other states. Kansas did well, but even so, they still filed almost 25,000 fraud and related reports with the Federal Trade Commission. Losses added up to almost $58 million, and the median loss per case was just over $400, not earth-shattering, but multiply it across thousands of households, and it’s easy to see the damage. Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024
Kansas’s Consumer Protection in Action
One recent shocking case involved a cryptocurrency investment scam that tricked a Kansas resident into sending currency overseas. The Kansas Attorney General’s office pursued the case and successfully recovered and returned more than half a Bitcoin and other digital assets to the victim of the scam. Officials called it one of the first civil actions of its kind in Kansas, a signal that fraud tactics are evolving quickly. Source: Public Technologies
Fraud in Kansas may not reach the same levels as other areas, but the people of Kansas are still at risk. And while the numbers suggest Kansas is faring better than most, the lesson is clear: vigilance is still the best defense.
Kentucky's Fraud Reality in 2024
Kentucky ranked 44th in the nation for fraud and other reports in 2024. Residents filed almost 39,000 fraud and related complaints with the Federal Trade Commission that year, reporting about $71 million in total fraud losses. The median loss per reported scam was about $350 dollars, and imposter scams accounted for roughly 16 percent of complaints. Those figures make clear that while Kentucky sits in the lower half of the national rankings, scam activity is steady and often hits people where they least expect it. Source: Federal Trade Commission
Kentucky’s Consumer Protection in Action
State officials moved from warning to action on robocalls. Attorney General Russell Coleman and a 51-state task force sent letters to several voice providers they say have allowed illegal robocall traffic on their networks, shared their findings with the FCC, and warned of possible legal steps if the calls continue. The release notes that Kentuckians received an estimated 55.7 million robocalls in November alone, and that the calls often carried IRS, Social Security, auto warranty, and utility scams. The office says closing loopholes in the Robocall Mitigation Database and holding carriers accountable are central to slowing down the overload of scam/spam calls. Source: Kentucky Gov
In a place where a ringtone still pauses a kitchen table conversation, those calls matter. The state’s push to call out carriers and tighten the system shows a shift from chasing individual scammers to cutting off the pipelines they use.
Maryland's Fraud Reality in 2024
Maryland residents reported more than 111,000 fraud cases in 2024, one of the highest totals in the country. Losses added up to nearly $200 million, with a median loss of $435 per case. The hit of scams, both minor and major, pushed Maryland into fifth place in the country for fraud reports per capita, proving that scammers are making a serious problem for the Maryland economy. Source: Federal Trade Commission
Maryland’s Consumer Protection in Action
The Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division has pursued cases that reveal how deceptive practices can take advantage of residents at their most vulnerable. One recent case involved Probate Advance, LLC, a company that offered cash advances to people who believed they were heirs to estates. In exchange, families often ended up signing away large portions of their inheritance without fully realizing the long-term cost. The Attorney General’s office secured 2.7 million dollars in restitution. Source: Nottingham MD
Scams and unfair practices in Maryland affect a wide range of communities. With more older adults being targeted and families facing pressure from financial uncertainty, the impact of fraud is felt deeply. Maryland’s consumer protection work shows how state enforcement and public awareness campaigns together help the fight against scams in the state, but more work needs to be done.
Michigan's Fraud Reality in 2024
Michigan ranked 23rd in the nation for fraud and related reports in 2024, landing just above the middle of the pack. Residents filed more than 117,000 complaints with the Federal Trade Commission that year, and reported losses totaled about $204 million. The median loss per victim was $350; lower than in many states, but still meaningful. Credit bureaus and information furnishers were behind roughly 22% of complaints, showing that large institutions can also be targets. Source: Federal Trade Commission
Michigan’s Consumer Protection in Action
State officials move quickly to shut down phishing schemes that involve impersonated utility companies and stolen bank details. The Attorney General’s office typically will open an investigation, issue public warnings, and work with local banks by encouraging them to act quickly. These types of phishing schemes show how quickly scammers adjust to everyday routines like bill paying and checking email; the proactive responses from the state officials aims to safeguard Michigan consumers, but also strengthens the overall integrity of the financial system in the area. Source: Michigan Department of Attorney General
Let’s get proactive with protection. Set up transaction alerts, create strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, review your credit reports regularly, and make the most of Michigan’s resources.
Minnesota’s Fraud Reality in 2024
Closer to home, Minnesotans know too well how costly scam calls and fraud can be. Last year, people in our state lost $144.6 million to fraud schemes of all kinds, with imposter scams and identity theft leading the way. On average, each victim lost about $412, but many lost far more when fake tech support, grandparent scams, and government impersonators convinced them to send money or share sensitive information. Interestingly, Minnesota ranked 39th in the nation for fraud reports in 2024, putting us on the lower end compared to most other states. Even so, millions of dollars are still lost here every year, reminding us that no community is immune to clever scam tactics. Source: Federal Trade Commission
Minnesota’s leaders have stepped up their fight. The Attorney General’s Scam Stopper initiative remains a vital resource offering alerts, practical tips, and sources for reporting fraud. Source: Minnesota Department of Commerce
Every call answered carefully and every scam reported helps protect our neighbors. As scam tactics grow more advanced, knowing the signs and talking with family and friends about new scams is the best line of defense. Staying informed, sharing updates when new scams surface, and reminding loved ones to pause before giving out information can make all the difference in keeping our communities safer.
Montana’s Fraud Reality in 2024
In 2024, Montanans reported 9,651 cases to the Federal Trade Commission. The total losses were over $22 million, with most people losing about $459 per scam. Montana ranked 43rd in the nation for fraud and consumer reports, showing that while the state does better than many, scams are still something to watch out for. Source: Federal Trade Commission – 2024 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book (PDF)
Montana’s Consumer Protection in Action
The Montana Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Protection offers scam alerts, education, and direct assistance to victims of fraud. Montanans can file complaints online or by calling 800-481-6896.
To contact a specific department, a detailed list can be found here: Important Montana Consumer Protection Numbers
Montana ranks 43rd compared to other states, which means residents report fewer fraud cases per capita than most of the country.
While that is a good sign, it does not mean the state is free from risk. Scammers haven’t slowed down and continue to shift their tactics to catch people off guard, often using methods designed to pressure targets into acting fast. In Montana, scammers often pretend to be familiar people or trusted groups to create a sense of urgency and trust. Montanans should be careful, because even offers that seem related to the state’s lifestyle or economy can be used to trick them.
New Mexico's Fraud Reality in 2024
New Mexico landed near the middle of the pack in 2024, ranking 32nd nationwide for fraud and related reports. Residents turned in almost 21,000 complaints to the Federal Trade Commission over the course of the year, with reported losses adding up to about $56.6 million. The median reported loss was $500, which means many incidents were relatively small but a meaningful number of cases involved much larger sums. Source: Federal Trade Commission
New Mexico’s Consumer Protection in Action
New Mexico’s Attorney General runs a Consumer Protection Bureau that acts like the state’s consumer watchdog: it takes consumer tips and complaints, opens investigations when patterns or harms appear, and, if needed, sues companies or bad actors to win refunds, penalties, and repayment of costs so victims and taxpayers aren’t left holding the bill. The bureau also enforces laws such as the Unfair Practices Act and the Fraud Against Taxpayers Act, handles antitrust matters, and even oversees tobacco-settlement compliance, while also running public education campaigns and issuing scam alerts. Source: New Mexico Department of Justice
The numbers show that New Mexico experiences a steady stream of scams across both rural and urban areas. New Mexico’s communities, from urban neighborhoods to ranchland, are strongest when people speak up. Reporting fraud helps keep local economies and loved ones safer.
New York’s Fraud Reality in 2024
New Yorkers are consistently hurt by the costly consequences of scam calls and fraud. Last year, people in the state lost $534 million to various types of fraud schemes, with identity theft being the primary culprit. On average, each victim lost about $429, but many lost far more. Unfortunately, New York ranked 13th in the nation for fraud and other reports in 2024, putting the state well above average compared to most others. Source: Federal Trade Commission – 2024 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book (PDF)
New York’s Consumer Protection in Action
New York takes consumer protection further than most states, often leading high-profile cases that set national precedents. The Attorney General’s Consumer Frauds & Protection Bureau doesn’t just warn about scams. It regularly sues major corporations, wins restitution for victims, and tackles emerging threats like digital fraud and deceptive online practices. This broad approach makes New York’s office one of the most influential in the country when it comes to holding scammers accountable. A recent example is the state’s lawsuit against Zelle’s parent company, accusing it of enabling more than $1 billion in consumer fraud losses since 2017 (ag.ny.gov).
Fraud hits New York harder than many other states. That could be due to New York’s dense population, high financial activity, and diverse communities, which together create prime conditions for scams to thrive. This may be one of the main reasons New York invests so heavily in fraud prevention efforts.
Oregon's Fraud Reality in 2024
Oregon ranked 27th in the nation for fraud and other reports in 2024, showing that the state is roughly in the middle when it comes to dealing with its share of scams compared to much of the country. That year, Oregonians filed more than 46,000 fraud reports with the Federal Trade Commission, with total reported losses of roughly $124 million. The median loss per case came in at about $400. Multiplied across households, the economic and emotional toll is significant. Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024
Oregon’s Consumer Protection in Action
In 2025, the Oregon Department of Justice issued an urgent alert about a growing “gold bar” scam that had already cost victims tens of thousands of dollars each. Scammers would use fear tactics and pose as federal agents or even bank officials and convinced Oregon residents to withdraw their savings and buy gold as protection against alleged account fraud, only to steal the savings themselves. The DOJ moved fast to warn the public and expand outreach through its Consumer Protection Hotline, aiming to stop losses before they spread further. Source: Oregon Department of Justice
Fraud in Oregon may be rising, and scammers may be getting smarter, but the response is advancing with it. The active stance of Oregon’s DOJ and other agencies shows that prevention and enforcement remain priorities, which helps keep Oregon in the middle of the pack instead of at the top.
The bottom line: as scams evolve, so must awareness, and vigilance remains the strongest shield against financial crime.
South Carolina's Fraud Reality in 2024
In 2024, South Carolina ranked 7th in the nation for fraud and related reports and filed over 80,000 complaints with the Federal Trade Commission. Overall, South Carolina reported a notable $137 million in losses. The median loss was $450. Those numbers show how fraud is chipping away at households across the state. Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024
South Carolina’s Consumer Protection in Action
State officials united in a joint effort called Operation Border War that uncovered schemes using fake beneficiary numbers to file false Medicaid claims. In all, eight people have been charged and accused of siphoning more than $21 million from South Carolina’s state and federal programs, a staggering figure that investigators say only scratches the surface of the fraud. The multi-jurisdictional partnerships were key to tracing the money trail. Prosecutors also reminded the public that an indictment is only an allegation and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Source: South Carolina Attorney General
When fraud steals from a household or a public program, you feel it at the dinner table and at the clinic. South Carolinians know that protecting the community means calling out scams, backing victims, and making sure scammers can’t turn someone’s hardship into their profit.
South Dakota's Fraud Reality in 2024
South Dakota did very well in 2024, ranking 50th in the nation for fraud and other reports, the lowest ranking in the country. Residents filed 6,081 fraud and related reports with the Federal Trade Commission, with total losses of about $20.4 million and a median loss per case of $400. Imposter scams made up roughly 20 percent of those complaints, making them the top fraud category in the state. While the overall numbers put South Dakota below all other states, the steady flow of reports shows scammers are still finding ways to reach residents.
Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024
South Dakota’s Consumer Protection in Action
The South Dakota Public Utilities Division has warned residents about a growing scam. Scammers will call and fake “utility shut-off” notices. This tactic involves scammers sending calls pretending to be from local utility companies and threatening immediate service interruption if payment isn’t made over a provided link. The Attorney General’s office emphasized that real utility companies do not demand payment this way and urged anyone who gets one of these messages to check with their utility provider directly rather than follow a link. Source: South Dakota Public Utilities Division
Out in South Dakota, whether you’re in Pierre or a small ranching town, scams that mimic something as routine as a utility bill can trip people up. Thankfully, South Dakotans tend to notice when something doesn’t fit the norm.
Tennessee's Fraud Reality in 2024
Tennessee ranked 21st in the nation for fraud and other reports in 2024, placing it well above the national midpoint shining a spotlight on the escalating seriousness of the issue in the state. Residents filed just over 83,000 reports with the Federal Trade Commission during the year, and the losses added up to about $157 million. The median reported loss was $400, which shows that many cases involved smaller individual sums but also that a large number of Tennesseans experienced major financial harm. Source: Federal Trade Commission
Tennessee’s Consumer Protection in Action
One of the more recent fraud cases in Tennessee involved phishing texts disguised as EZ Pass toll notices, a scam that spread quickly across the state. Seniors were easy victims of this scam tricking them into giving up personal and financial information. The Attorney General urged anyone who receives such texts to report them and, to be extra cautious, delete them immediately. By highlighting this case, the office demonstrates how tech-based fraud is evolving in Tennessee and highlights the particular vulnerability of older adults. Source: Tennessee Attorney General
In a state with such varied landscapes and populations, combined efforts show how Tennesseans themselves are crucial in identifying, reporting, and stopping scams before they can cause greater harm.
Texas Fraud Reality in 2024
Texas often faces natural disasters, and on top of that, scams only make life harder for residents. In 2024, people in the state lost almost $900 million to fraud, with an average of $500 per victim. Texans also filed 462,667 fraud complaints, the sixth highest total in the country. Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024
Texas Consumer Protection in Action
Texas officials have a reputation for treating consumer protection with the same urgency as they do climate disasters. Attorney General Ken Paxton recently filed a lawsuit against Allstate and its subsidiary Arity, saying the companies secretly gathered and sold driving data from more than 45 million Americans, including many in Texas. The suit also claims Allstate slipped tracking software into popular mobile apps without asking users for permission. The case marks a major step for data privacy and is helping to set the stage, along with other states' efforts, for tougher privacy protections at the state level. Source: Reuters
Texas is not just big in size; it's also booming with one of the fastest-growing populations in the nation and attracts both legitimate investment and fraudulent schemes. Its size, diversity, and economic growth create ideal conditions for scams to spread quickly. The Allstate lawsuit shows how Texas is moving beyond traditional fraud cases to confront the modern threat of unauthorized data collection and other digital-age tactics used against consumers.
Vermont's Fraud Reality in 2024
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Vermont ranked 36th in the nation for fraud and other reports in 2024. That year, Vermonters filed 5,860 fraud & other reports with the FTC, with total reported fraud losses of $10.6 million and a median loss of $285; lower than many states in absolute terms, but still meaningful when spread across households. Imposter scams were reported the most, totaling 24% of all reports. Source: Federal Trade Commission
Vermont’s Consumer Protection in Action
At the state level, Vermont’s Attorney General Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) received and handled 3,533 scam reports in 2024. CAP’s top complaint was the Computer Tech Support scam (645 reports). The AG’s office emphasizes consumer education, runs the VT Scam Alert System (roughly 9,000 signed up), and is integrating scam alerts with the statewide VT-ALERT platform to expand reach; CAP also offers a hotline for reporting and help. Source: UVM Blogs
Vermont’s raw numbers aren’t the largest, but the patterns are familiar: tech-support imposters and identity scams dominate, and small businesses face targeted fraud like fake orders. The FTC’s statewide snapshot plus Vermont’s CAP data makes the case that prevention and quick reporting are the best tools to limit losses.
Virginia’s Fraud Reality in 2024
Close to the East Coast, Virginians know too well how costly scam calls and fraud schemes can be. In 2024 alone, consumers filed 117,836 fraud and other reports, with total losses of $293.7 million and a median loss of $450 per incident. Virginia ranked 16th nationally for fraud and other reports. Federal Trade Commission.
Virginia’s Consumer Protection in Action:
The Attorney General’s office publishes regular scam alerts and practical tips on spotting phone-based fraud and has a consumer protections hotline at 804-786-2042, helping Virginians report and recover from scams.
Their other hotlines:
- Main Line: 804-786-2071
- Victim Notification Program: 1-800-370-0459
- Office of Civil Rights: 804-225-2292
- To report Medicaid fraud: 1-866-486-1971
- To report Medicare fraud: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (TTY: 1-800-377-4950)
Source:
Virginia Office of the Attorney General.
Virginia ranks high compared to other states, fraud is a serious issue for people there. From rural counties to suburban corridors and bustling cities like Richmond and Virginia Beach, scammers are exploiting Virginians' trust. The numbers might not put the Old Dominion State at the very top, but close enough to be a big concern, and scammers haven’t slowed down. They continue to shift their tactics to catch the people of Virginia off guard, often using methods designed to pressure people into acting fast, and unfortunately, they often work.
Wisconsin's Fraud Reality in 2024
Wisconsin ranked 35th in the nation for fraud and other reports in 2024. Residents filed 53,520 complaints with the Federal Trade Commission, totaling about $106 million in reported losses with a median hit of $357. Imposter scams led the pack at roughly 16 percent of all cases, a reminder that while Wisconsin isn’t at the top of the fraud charts, scammers are still finding plenty of ways to sneak into people’s lives. Source: Federal Trade Commission
Wisconsin’s Consumer Protection in Action
To meet evolving threats, Wisconsin has launched targeted tools aimed at spotting scams. The Department of Financial Institutions recently rolled out an investment scam tracker that publishes consumer-reported investment and crypto fraud schemes, helps people search by company or keyword, and flags patterns regulators are seeing in financial grooming and “investment” scams. The tracker is designed to make it harder for scammers to reuse the same scripts and sites against new victims and to give investigators more visibility into how these schemes move and change. Source: DFI
Fraud in Wisconsin often hides inside everyday routines, so spotting it usually depends on ordinary people recognizing something off. Whether you live in Wisconsin or not, staying aware of the scam alerts and using tools local to your state, like Wisconsin’s DFI tracker, helps protect both individual wallets and the broader economy
Wyoming's Fraud Reality in 2024
Wyoming did well in 2024, ranking 40th in the nation for fraud and other reports. Residents filed 5,212 fraud and related complaints with the Federal Trade Commission that year, with reported losses of just over $20 million. The median loss was $600, and imposter scams were the largest category at 19 percent of all complaints. Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024
Wyoming’s Consumer Protection in Action
One of the scams Wyoming officials have been warning about is toll-payment phishing, where texts or emails tell residents they owe money for driving on state toll roads, even though Wyoming doesn’t have any. These fake notices push people to click links or share payment details, using urgency to pressure them into quick action. The Wyoming Department of Transportation has shared examples of these messages and urged residents to delete them and report suspicious texts so others don’t get caught. Source: Wyoming Department of Transportation
When a scam doesn’t even line up with the facts on the ground, like tolls in a toll-free state, spotting it gets a little easier. By talking about these cases openly, Wyoming residents can turn the state’s small size and strong word-of-mouth into a real defense against fraud.