How common is identity theft in Maryland? (2026 Update)

Understanding Maryland's identity theft crisis

Maryland faces an identity theft crisis, ranking #9 nationally by per-capita rate (345 reports per 100K) with 21,260 identity theft reports in just Q1-Q3 2025—already at 106.0% of 2024's full-year total of 19,990. This represents approximately 78 new victims every single day across Maryland, with one new victim every 18.5 minutes around the clock. For comprehensive national context, see our 2025 Identity Theft Statistics report. All data is based on FTC Consumer Sentinel Network data.

The concentration of identity theft in Maryland reflects the state's unique vulnerabilities and risk factors affecting the state's 6.2 million residents. Comprehensive identity theft protection is essential for Maryland residents.

Why Maryland ranks #9 in identity theft statistics

Federal Employee Target Value: Maryland's massive federal workforce—including employees at NSA, NIH, FDA, Social Security Administration, and dozens of other agencies—maintains high credit limits and substantial assets due to stable government salaries and security clearance requirements. Federal employees undergo extensive background checks documenting their entire financial history, ironically creating comprehensive dossiers that sophisticated criminals seek to exploit. Government imposter scams often involve fake federal agency officials targeting federal employees' knowledge of government procedures.

DC Commuter Corridor Complexity: The 500,000+ Marylanders commuting to Washington DC² create jurisdictional confusion that criminals exploit. Fraud originating in DC but targeting Maryland residents creates investigation gaps. Phone or utilities fraud often involves accounts opened in DC using Maryland residents' stolen identities, with bills sent to DC addresses that victims never see until collections begin.

Fort Meade and NSA Cybersecurity Paradox: Fort Meade hosts NSA headquarters and U.S. Cyber Command³—the epicenter of American cybersecurity operations. Yet Maryland's identity theft rates remain elevated, suggesting cybersecurity professionals themselves face targeting. Criminals specifically research NSA and cyber command employees, knowing their high clearance levels and technical skills make them both valuable targets and potentially embarrassing victims reluctant to report fraud that might jeopardize security clearances.

Biotechnology and Research Sector: Maryland's biotechnology corridor, anchored by NIH and Johns Hopkins University⁴, creates concentrated research data and intellectual property. Business imposter scams often target biotech companies with fake vendor invoices, fraudulent research equipment suppliers, and business email compromise schemes redirecting grant payments.

Regional Worry Underrepresents Risk: Despite Maryland's elevated vulnerability, only 63.1% of South region respondents worry about identity theft⁵. Maryland's actual rate of 345 per 100K demands higher vigilance, but the state's affluent, educated population may assume their sophistication protects them—creating dangerous overconfidence that criminals exploit.

Baltimore Port and Logistics Hub: The Port of Baltimore handles 10.7 million tons of cargo annually⁶, creating international commerce vulnerabilities. Business fraud targeting import/export companies, customs brokers, and logistics operations contributes to Maryland's elevated business imposter scam rates, with criminals intercepting legitimate shipping payments and documentation.

By income & socioeconomic status

Identity theft in Maryland cuts across income levels but manifests differently:

High-Income (>$150K): Targeted for sophisticated fraud—wire transfer scams, investment fraud, real estate title theft, business identity theft. High-income residents maintain higher credit limits and account balances, making them attractive targets.

Middle-Income ($40K-$100K): Highest volume of victims. Have established credit but may lack resources for premium monitoring services. Actively use credit for mortgages, auto loans, education—all fraud vectors.

Lower-Income (<$40K): Disproportionately impacted by government benefits fraud, particularly SNAP fraud, unemployment fraud, and healthcare fraud. May have less financial cushion to absorb losses and fewer resources for recovery.

For comparison, see how Maryland compares to other high-risk states like Delaware.

Fraud patterns and identity theft statistics

Most common types of identity theft in Maryland (2025)

Based on FTC Consumer Sentinel Network data for Maryland, the following identity theft types are most prevalent:

Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network, Maryland Identity Theft Data, 2025 YTD (Q1-Q3)

Year-over-year comparison (2024 vs 2025 YTD)

Maryland reported 21,260 identity theft reports in Q1-Q3 2025, compared to 19,990 reports for the full year 2024. This represents 106.0% of the 2024 total in just three quarters, indicating Maryland is on track to exceed 2024's numbers.

For comprehensive national context and trends, see our 2025 Identity Theft Statistics report.

2025 YTD Maryland trends by age group

Identity theft victimization varies significantly by age, with different age groups facing distinct fraud patterns and loss amounts.

Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network, Maryland Age & Fraud Data, 2025 YTD (Q1-Q3)

Who is at risk of identity theft in Maryland?

Federal Employees and Contractors with Security Clearances: Maryland's 380,000+ federal workers face unique vulnerability. Security clearance background investigations create comprehensive financial profiles that criminals covet. These employees maintain excellent credit due to clearance requirements, making them attractive loan fraud targets (9,329 reports). Federal workers face government imposter scams where criminals impersonate agency inspectors general, OPM investigators, or security offices, exploiting victims' fear of clearance loss.

NSA and Cybersecurity Professionals: The thousands of cybersecurity experts working at Fort Meade, Cyber Command, and private contractors face sophisticated targeting. Criminals research these professionals through LinkedIn and social media, then launch spear-phishing attacks using intelligence community terminology and fake security advisories. These professionals' embarrassment about being victims can delay reporting, allowing fraud to compound.

NIH and Biotech Researchers: Maryland's 40,000+ biotech and pharmaceutical researchers face business email compromise targeting research grants and vendor payments. Criminals impersonate principal investigators, requesting urgent wire transfers for research equipment. University and hospital researchers often lack corporate IT security, making their email accounts easier to compromise. Grant fraud affects both researchers persstitutional research funding.

DC Commuters: The 500,000+ Maryland residents commuting to DC face d$94.6 million on and jurisdictional confusion. These commuters maintain accounts in both states, creating monitoring gaps. Employment fraud targeting federal job seekers generated $94.6 million in losses, with fake federal contracting positions requiring security clearance processing fees or background check payments before hiring.

Hopkins and University System Students: Maryland's 350,000+ college students across Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland, UMBC, and other institutions face employment and student loan fraud. Students pursuing federal careers encounter fake federal job postings requiring application fees. Medical students at Hopkins face targeted fraud related to resitions and medical licensing, with criminals offering fake exam preparation services requiring upfront payment.

Aff$47.9 million Families: Residents of Montgomery County (third-wealthiest county nationally) and Howard County face targeted fraud due to concentrated wealth. Romance scams generated $47.9 million in losses statewide, with criminals specifically targeting affluent divorced or widowed individuals through dating apps and social media. These victims' high net worth means larger losses per incident.

Small Business Owners in Federal Contracting: Maryland's 640,000 small businesses, many pursuing federal contracts, face business imposter and fake vendor fraud. Criminals impersonate contracting officers, send fake solicitations requiring proposal fees, or intercept actual contract payments. The complex federal procurement process creates confusion that criminals exploit. SAM.gov registration scams offer fake federal contractor registration assistance for strong>Asian-American Community: Maryland's diverse Asian-American population (7% of residents) faces targeted scams in multiple languages. Government imposter scams often involve fake Chinese consulate officials, immigration threats, or family emergency schemes. The state's diplomatic community presence means legitimate international communications occur regularly, providing cover for fraudulent schemes.

Port of Baltimore Workers and Businesses: Employees and businesses connected to Baltimore's port face unique fraud patterns. Shipping companies encounter fake cargo documentation, fraudulent customs broker schemes, and business email compromise redirecting shipping payments. Longshoremen and port workers face employment fraud during contract negotiations and hiring periods.

How to protect yourself from fraud in Maryland

Maryland-Specific Legal Protections: Maryland Commercial Law Code Section 14-1201 through 14-1218 provides comprehensive identity theft protections. Victims can place security freezes on credit reports for free. Maryland requires breach notification within specific timeframes. Contact the Maryland Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at (410) 528-8662 or visit marylandattorneygeneral.gov for assistance.

Security Clearance Holder Protections: Federal employees should report identity theft to agency security offices immediately—failure to report can jeopardize clearances. Monitor credit reports quarterly through AnnualCreditReport.com. Place fraud alerts requiring creditors to verify identity before opening accounts. Security clearance investigations pull credit reports, so fraudulent accounts must be resolved before reinvestigations. Report imposter scams claiming to be from OPM or agency inspectors general to agency security offices and FBI at (202) 324-3000.

Government Imposter Scam Awareness: Federal agencies never call demanding immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. OPM doesn't contact security clearance holders about background check fees—these are employer-paid. Social Security Administration doesn't suspend Social Security numbers or threaten arrest. Hang up on threatening calls and independently verify through official numbers from agency websites.

Business Email Compromise Prevention: Maryland's biotech and federal contractor businesses should implement DMARC email authentication and multi-factor authentication on all accounts. Verify all payment requests and vendor changes through phone calls to previously established numbers. Require two-person authorization for wire transfers over $25,000. Train employees to recognize executive impersonation attempts and urgent payment requests bypassing normal procedures.

Loan Fraud Protection: Federal employees' excellent credit makes them targets. Freeze credit reports with all three bureaus—Maryland law provides free freezes. Unfreeze only when applying for legitimate credit. Monitor credit reports for fraudulent auto loans and mortgages opened using stolen identities. Federal employees should verify that loan inquiries on credit reports correspond to actual applications they made.

Commuter-Specific Protections: DC commuters should consolidate banking to minimize accounts requiring monitoring across multiple jurisdictions. Use mobile banking apps with location-based alerts. Place fraud alerts on credit reports, which last 90 days and require creditors to verify identity. Report cross-jurisdictional fraud to both Maryland and DC police—provide both agencies with case numbers for improved coordination.

Romance Scam Prevention: Maryland's affluent residents using dating apps should proceed with extreme caution. Be suspicious of people who quickly express strong feelings, claim to work overseas, or face emergencies requiring money. Never send money to people you haven't met extensively in person. Research potential partners through reverse image search and social media verification. Report romance scams to Maryland Attorney General and local police immediately.

Federal Contractor Fraud Prevention: Verify federal contracting opportunities through official government websites (SAM.gov, FBO.gov). Legitimate federal contracts never require upfront fees for bids or proposals. Verify contracting officer identities through agency public affairs offices before responding to solicitations. Report federal contracting fraud to agency inspectors general and GSA Office of Inspector General at (800) 424-5210.

Student and Graduate Protection: Maryland students pursuing federal careers should verify job offers through USAJobs.gov—legitimate federal positions never require application fees or background check payments from applicants. Medical students should verify residency programs through official ERAS systems. Never pay fees for scholarship applications or federal job placement services.

Small Business Safeguards: Maryland business owners should verify vendor legitimacy through Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation business searches. Implement payment verification procedures requiring verbal confirmation for all wire transfers. Use dedicated payment approval email addresses never shared externally. Register for business credit monitoring through Dun & Bradstreet to detect fraudulent business credit applications.

Port and International Trade Protections: Baltimore port businesses should verify international wire transfer instructions through multiple communication channels—never rely solely on email. Use letters of credit for international transactions when possible. Verify customs broker credentials through U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Report port-related fraud to U.S. Coast Guard and CBP at (202) 344-1780.

Maryland-Specific Resources: File identity theft reports with local police (Baltimore: 311, Montgomery County: 240-773-5700) and obtain case numbers. Contact Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division at (410) 528-8662 or file online. Submit FTC reports at identitytheft.gov. Federal employees should report to agency security offices. For business fraud, contact Maryland Office of the Secretary of State at (410) 974-5534. Report port fraud to Coast Guard Sector Maryland-NCR at (410) 576-2693. Federal contracting fraud goes to GSA OIG at (800) 424-5210.

Recommended response to unusual credit activity

If you notice unusual credit activity or want to proactively protect against new account fraud, credit freezes prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. Contact all three bureaus:

• Experian: (888) 397-3742
• Equifax: (800) 685-1111
• TransUnion: (888) 909-8872

Free, reversible, doesn't affect credit scores, can be temporarily lifted for legitimate credit applications. For ongoing protection, consider credit monitoring from all three bureaus.

How to report identity theft in Maryland

Immediate actions (first 48 hours)

Step 1: Document Everything

• Screenshot all fraudulent transactions
• Save emails, texts, or calls from fraudsters
• Create dedicated folder for all identity theft documentation
• Start detailed timeline of events

Step 2: Place Fraud Alerts

Call any one credit bureau to place fraud alert (they notify the other two). Makes identity theft harder for criminals and entitles you to free credit reports.

Step 3: File Reports

• FTC: IdentityTheft.gov to create official federal report
• Local Police: File report with your local police department (required by many creditors)
• Maryland AG: File complaint with Maryland Attorney General - Consumer Protection Division (410) 528-8662

Step 4: Contact Affected Institutions

• Close compromised accounts immediately
• Dispute fraudulent charges in writing—verbal disputes aren't legally sufficient
• Request fraud affidavits from financial institutions
• Change ALL passwords and PINs, even for accounts not obviously affected

Week 1-2: Secure your identity

Freeze Credit Reports: Contact all three bureaus to freeze reports. Free, reversible, prevents new accounts.

Request Extended Fraud Alert: With police report, you're entitled to 7-year fraud alert (vs. standard 1-year).

Review All Credit Reports: Order reports from all three bureaus. Examine every account, inquiry, and personal information entry. Dispute all fraud vectors.

Month 1-3: Deep clean & monitor

Close All Fraudulent Accounts: Send certified letters to creditors disputing charges. Include copy of FTC report and police report. Keep copies of all correspondence.

Monitor Aggressively: Check credit reports regularly for an extended period. Review bank/credit statements weekly. Set up account alerts for all transactions over $50.

Address Specific Fraud Types:

• Tax Fraud: File Form 14039 with IRS, request Identity Protection PIN for future filings at IRS.gov
• Medical Fraud: Request medical records, dispute charges with insurance companies
• Real Estate/Mortgage Fraud: Alert title companies, mortgage servicers; may require attorney. Home title monitoring can help prevent future incidents
• Employment Fraud: Contact employers where fraudulent employment occurred, file with Social Security Administration at SSA.gov

Long-term recovery

Identity theft recovery timelines vary significantly by case complexity. Simple cases involving a single credit card may resolve relatively quickly, while moderate cases with multiple accounts typically require more extensive documentation and follow-up. Complex cases involving criminal identity theft, tax fraud, or real estate fraud can take substantially longer to resolve.

When to Seek Professional Help:

• Criminal charges filed in your name
• Multiple fraud types occurring simultaneously
• Real estate fraud involving property titles
• Creditors refusing to remove fraudulent accounts
• Cases exceeding $50,000 in total losses
• Business identity theft

Maryland identity theft resources

State resources

Maryland Attorney General - Consumer Protection Division: (410) 528-8662

https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/consumer - Consumer complaints, fraud reporting

Federal resources

FTC Identity Theft Hotline: IdentityTheft.gov or (877) 438-4338

Social Security Fraud Hotline: (800) 269-0271 | Visit SSA.gov to create a My Social Security account

IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit: (800) 908-4490 | Request an IP PIN at IRS.gov

Credit bureaus (fraud alerts & freezes)

Place fraud alerts and freezes with all three bureaus:

• Experian: (888) 397-3742
• Equifax: (800) 685-1111
• TransUnion: (888) 909-8872

Support services

Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC): (888) 400-5530 - Free victim assistance with live counselors. Visit idtheftcenter.org for resources

Frequently asked questions

Why does Maryland rank #9 nationally for identity theft?

Maryland ranks #9 nationally with 345 reports per 100K residents in 2025 YTD. The state's unique risk factors contribute to elevated identity theft rates.

What are the most common types of identity theft in Maryland?

Credit card fraud, loan/lease fraud, and other identity theft categories are the most common types reported in Maryland.

How many identity theft reports were filed in Maryland in 2025?

Maryland reported 21,260 identity theft reports in Q1-Q3 2025, already at 106.0% of 2024's full-year total of 19,990.

What should I do if I'm a victim of identity theft in Maryland?

Immediately file reports with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov, your local police department, and the Maryland Attorney General. Place fraud alerts with all three credit bureaus and freeze your credit reports.

Are there state-specific identity theft laws in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland has specific identity theft laws. Check with the Maryland Attorney General's office for details on state-specific protections and reporting requirements.

How can I protect myself from identity theft in Maryland?

Given Maryland's #9 ranking, comprehensive protection is essential. Use credit freezes, enable transaction alerts, monitor credit reports regularly, and consider identity theft protection services designed for high-risk areas.