Protecting Maryland Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Maryland seniors are not immune. In 2025, 254 older adults in Maryland reported government impersonation fraud to the FBI. Scammers pose as officials from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or law enforcement to frighten seniors into sending money or revealing personal information.
Why Maryland Seniors Are Targeted
Maryland’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Federal employee retirees: Maryland’s proximity to Washington, D.C. means a large population of federal retirees targeted by scammers impersonating government agencies
- High-value targets: Maryland has one of the highest median household incomes in the nation, making its seniors prime targets for investment fraud
- Diverse population: Maryland’s diverse senior community includes immigrants who may be targeted with language-specific scams or threats about immigration status
- Urban-rural contrast: While the Baltimore-Washington corridor has resources, rural western Maryland and the Eastern Shore lack local consumer protection services
- Military communities: Major military installations bring retirees who are targeted by scammers impersonating VA and military benefits offices
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Maryland (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 72 | $438K | — |
| 2022 | 76 | $493K | +13% |
| 2023 | 106 | $10.3M | +1989% |
| 2024 | 146 | $3.1M | -69% |
| 2025 | 254 | $7.6M | +141% |
| 5-Year Total | 654 | $22.0M | +1630% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Maryland residents aged 60 and older.
Maryland ranks #16 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $7.6 million lost in 2025 across 254 reported victims. That represents 1.8% of all U.S. government impersonation scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +141% — significantly faster than the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Maryland grew +1630%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Government Impersonation Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Government Impersonation Scams in Maryland
- Office of the Maryland Attorney General: (410) 576-6300 | oag.maryland.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Maryland Adult Protective Services: (800) 917-7383
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from government impersonation scams:
→ Start Government Impersonation Scam Awareness Training (Module 5)