North Carolina Scam Losses Exceed $1 Billion Since 2021
Federal data reveals a sharp rise in financial fraud losses reported across the state since 2021.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Reported scam losses in North Carolina have surpassed $1 billion since 2021, climbing from approximately $95 million that year to over $342 million in 2025. Annual scam report volume has remained steady at roughly 70,000 cases.
Why it matters
The dramatic increase in total financial loss highlights an evolving threat landscape where fraudsters are increasingly successful in extracting larger sums from state residents despite a consistent number of reports.
Brunswick County reports 408 scam complaints per 10,000 residents, exceeding the North Carolina state average of 311. New Hanover County has documented 8,139 total complaints since 2021.
The players
Federal Trade Commission
This federal agency is responsible for tracking consumer fraud data and protecting citizens from deceptive business practices.
North Carolina Department of Justice
The state authority works to identify and combat emerging scam tactics through the investigation of consumer complaints.
The details
Scammers are leveraging diverse tactics, with nearly 2,800 business imposter reports, 2,700 online shopping complaints, and over 2,200 government imposter claims filed across five southeastern counties. The North Carolina Department of Justice continues to track these emerging threats through ongoing consumer submissions.
Timeline
2021 marked the beginning of the reported period for scam losses.
2025 saw total annual scam losses reach over $342 million.
Legal Context
The rise in North Carolina scam losses follows a pattern set by the 2021 pandemic-era surge in online fraud. This reporting shows that the trend of high-volume financial exploitation established during that period has persisted and intensified in the state.
Residents should remain vigilant against imposter scams targeting business, government, and online retail accounts, which are currently prevalent in the southeastern region. Enhanced caution during online transactions is recommended as reported losses continue to climb statewide.
The takeaway
Consumers should prioritize verifying the identity of anyone requesting funds or personal information, as fraudulent tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Regularly monitoring bank statements and reporting suspicious activity immediately can help mitigate the impact of potential scams.
Further reading
For additional context on how to protect your assets, visit the Financial Crime section.
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Do you feel confident in your ability to identify and avoid common financial scams?
