NH AG’s Office Warns Of Several Ongoing Scams In New Hampshire

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office is warning Granite Staters about several recent scams targeting residents.

The scams involve blackmail letters, phone calls, and, of course, the Christmas holiday season, which we are in the middle of right now.

Impersonation Scams On The Rise

New Hampshire has been hit with local, regional, and statewide scams, often involving crooks pretending to be cops.

But the attorney general’s office sent out a warning on Tuesday noting an alarming increase in incidents where the scammers were impersonating staffers from the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office to trick people into paying the scammers money. The scammers pretend to be from the department and claim the targeted person missed a court appearance. Now, the scammers say, there is an active arrest warrant that can be resolved if money is sent. The scammers, an alert stated, provide documents that look official, making the scam seem credible.

Michael Garrity, the director of communications for the department, said the key points to remember were that no one from a law enforcement agency would ask for immediate payment to avoid arrest; they will never communicate by unsolicited calls, text, or emails to demand money; and agencies never threaten in exchange for payment.

If you receive a call, do not engage; hang up the phone immediately and contact the police.

Information on Rockingham County scams should be submitted to that county’s dispatchers at 603-679-2225. The state’s consumer protection hotline or email can also take complaints: 1-888-468-4454 or DOJ-CPB@doj.nh.gov.

Blackmail Letter Scam

Investigators warn the state’s older adult population to beware of blackmail letters and emails demanding money.

The AG’s Office said Monday it received several reports from residents who had received threatening letters via email with personal information like telephone numbers, addresses, and pictures of homes. The emails claimed a virus was placed on the targeted person’s electronic device to search for “embarrassing information” in emails, browsing history, and social media accounts. But, for a “privacy fee,” using cryptocurrency, the scammer will not send embarrassing information to all the victim’s email or telephone contacts.

“Residents should understand that the senders of these e-mails have not actually been to the recipient’s home,” Garrity said. “They have obtained personal identifying information from publicly available sources and included photos of the recipient’s home obtained online in the letter. Further, the sender has not gained access to the recipient’s electronic device. Instead, the sender threatens the recipient to create a sense of fear and urgency so that the recipient will pay money.”

Officials said to do not panic if you receive one of these emailed letters. Also, do not send money or crypto in response to the letter. If you are concerned your devices have been compromised, contact a reputable computer company to verify any issues. Contact the consumer protection office if you receive this blackmail scam.

If you have already been scammed of money or crypto, report the incident to the police.

Christmas Holiday Warnings

The attorney general’s office also pointed to the December 2024 edition of the NH Consumer Insight newsletter, which is focused on helping residents avoid holiday scams.

Some tips warn you to shop safely, beware of gift card scams, and avoid fake charities, too. Officials also offer tips and links to file complaints.

The newsletter is linked here, in PDF.

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