Protecting Maryland Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and Maryland is no exception. In 2025, 317 Maryland seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $176.4 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why Maryland Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to Maryland put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- 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: Investment Scam Losses in Maryland (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 46 | $4.8M | — |
| 2022 | 81 | $17.3M | +256% |
| 2023 | 133 | $22.5M | +30% |
| 2024 | 171 | $37.4M | +66% |
| 2025 | 317 | $84.2M | +125% |
| 5-Year Total | 748 | $166.1M | +1637% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Maryland residents aged 60 and older.
Maryland ranks #11 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $84.2 million lost in 2025 across 317 reported victims. That represents 2.5% of all U.S. investment scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +125% — significantly faster than the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in Maryland grew +1637%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Investment Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Investment Fraud in Maryland
- Office of the Maryland Attorney General: (410) 576-6300 | oag.maryland.gov
- SEC: sec.gov/tcr
- FINRA: (844) 574-3577 | brokercheck.finra.org
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from investment scams:
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