New Hampshire Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report and Sue (2026)

New Hampshire's Consumer Protection Act gives "any person injured" by an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce within the state a right to sue, and its damages floor is unusually strong: the greater of actual damages or $1,000, at least doubled and up to tripled if the court finds the violation was willful or knowing, plus mandatory attorney's fees for a plaintiff who wins. The catches: the act excludes some regulated businesses (banks and securities firms among them), you need a defendant you can find, and the conduct has to fall within "trade or commerce," which an anonymous scammer may not.

New Hampshire also lets a bank or a broker briefly delay a payout from the account of someone 65 or older, or a vulnerable adult, when it suspects financial exploitation, and state law requires anyone who suspects a vulnerable adult is being exploited to report it. Scam complaints go in writing to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau, which reviews them but cannot act as your lawyer.

Information last verified on October 2, 2026. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.

Jurisdiction scope: This guide covers New Hampshire state law: the Consumer Protection Act (RSA chapter 358-A), New Hampshire complaint offices, protections for older and vulnerable adults, and the deadlines and courts for suing in New Hampshire. Federal refund and reporting rights are summarized briefly and covered in depth on our national guides. Out of scope: criminal defense, and the law of other states (if the scammer or business is elsewhere, that state's law may also matter).

First steps if you were scammed in New Hampshire

Contact the bank, card issuer, payment app, wire company or crypto exchange that moved your money right away; that company is usually the only one that can stop or reverse a payment. Your federal rights depend on how you paid. Our guide on how to get money back after a scam walks through each payment method, and the Zelle and payment app guide covers app transfers.

Then report it. Most scams go to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and online crime goes to the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov. Our where to report a scam guide explains what each federal agency does with a report. The New Hampshire offices below are in addition to those, not instead of them. For an overview of scam types and your rights, start at our scams and fraud hub.

Where to report a scam in New Hampshire

What an Attorney General complaint does, and does not do

The Bureau "requires all complaints to be submitted in writing using a consumer complaint form." To file online you need to create an account with the State for filing forms online; otherwise you can print the form and mail or email it.

Be realistic about the result. The Bureau says: "Your complaint will be reviewed by an attorney. If the attorney determines your complaint alleges an unfair or deceptive act or practice, we may send it to the business for review and response." It also says: "Submitting a complaint does not guarantee that your complaint will be investigated or resolved. The Bureau is a law enforcement agency and cannot represent you or provide you with legal advice."

The office adds that the process "is not a formal legal process," though it is "frequently successful in helping consumers obtain a response or resolution." If you are not satisfied, it points to a private lawyer or small claims court. Its website also offers a Business Complaint Lookup, which can help you check a company before you deal with it.

New Hampshire's consumer protection law: can you sue?

Often, yes, if three things line up: you were injured by a practice the act makes unlawful, the practice happened in trade or commerce within New Hampshire, and no exclusion applies. Here is how each piece works.

Who can sue

The private-action section, RSA 358-A:10, does not limit suits to a defined "consumer." It opens:

"Any person injured by another's use of any method, act or practice declared unlawful under this chapter may bring an action for damages and for such equitable relief, including an injunction, as the court deems necessary and proper."

What is "declared unlawful" is set by RSA 358-A:2: "It shall be unlawful for any person to use any unfair method of competition or any unfair or deceptive act or practice in the conduct of any trade or commerce within this state." Under RSA 358-A:1, "trade" and "commerce" include advertising, offering for sale, selling or distributing "any services and any property," and "any trade or commerce directly or indirectly affecting the people of this state."

That definition is broad, and it fits most scams by a business: a fake contractor, a seller who never ships, a deceptive subscription. Whether a pure impostor who sells nothing (for example, someone who calls pretending to be your grandchild) is engaged in "trade or commerce" is a question the courts decide, and we have not reviewed the case law on it. A New Hampshire lawyer can tell you whether your facts fit.

What you can recover

RSA 358-A:10 sets the damages:

"If the court finds for the plaintiff, recovery shall be in the amount of actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater. If the court finds that the use of the method of competition or the act or practice was a willful or knowing violation of this chapter, it shall award as much as 3 times, but not less than 2 times, such amount."

Two points stand out. First, the $1,000 minimum means even a small loss can support a meaningful claim. Second, once the court finds the violation was willful or knowing, the multiplier is not optional: the court "shall" award at least double, up to triple. Without that finding, recovery is actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater.

Fees are mandatory for a winner too: "a prevailing plaintiff shall be awarded the costs of the suit and reasonable attorney's fees, as determined by the court." And you cannot sign these rights away: "Any attempted waiver of the right to the damages set forth in this paragraph shall be void and unenforceable."

No pre-suit notice in RSA 358-A:10

Some states make you send a demand letter before suing under their consumer act. RSA 358-A:10 contains no pre-suit notice requirement. The section does require the court clerk to mail a copy of the complaint, and any judgment, to the Attorney General.

The exclusions

RSA 358-A:3 lists what the act does not cover. The one most likely to matter after a scam is paragraph I:

"Trade or commerce that is subject to the jurisdiction of the bank commissioner, the director of securities regulation, the insurance commissioner, the public utilities commission, the financial institutions and insurance regulators of other states, or federal banking or securities regulators who possess the authority to regulate unfair or deceptive trade practices."

So a claim against your own bank, a securities firm or an insurer may fall outside the act; those businesses are subject to their own regulators, listed in the table above. The act also excludes publishers and broadcasters that run an ad "without knowledge of its deceptive character," and certain matters covered by a Federal Trade Commission complaint. Under RSA 358-A:3, V, the burden of proving an exemption is on the business claiming it.

The deadline

The act has a built-in time limit in RSA 358-A:3, IV-a: it does not apply to "Transactions entered into more than 3 years prior to the time the plaintiff knew, or reasonably should have known, of the conduct alleged to be in violation of this chapter."

New Hampshire's general statute for personal actions, RSA 508:4, I, also gives 3 years, with a discovery rule: when the injury and its cause "were not discovered and could not reasonably have been discovered" at the time, "the action shall be commenced within 3 years of the time the plaintiff discovers, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered" them. Do not count on the discovery rule to save a late claim; act early. Our New Hampshire statute of limitations guide covers other civil deadlines.

The honest limit

A lawsuit needs a defendant you can identify, serve and collect from. That often works against a New Hampshire business or contractor with a real address. It usually does not work against an anonymous scammer who called from a spoofed number, used a fake identity or moved the money overseas, and a judgment does not help if nobody can be found to pay it. Our guide on when a lawyer helps after a scam explains which cases are worth a consultation.

Protections for older adults in New Hampshire

Reporting is everyone's duty. RSA 161-F:46 says "Any person," including health care professionals, social workers, clergy and law enforcement, who suspects in good faith that a vulnerable adult "has been subjected to abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation ... shall report or cause a report to be made." The state's reporting page puts it plainly: report "immediately" to BAAS at (603) 271-7014 or 1-800-949-0470, or online at NH EASY. "Proof of abuse or neglect is not required to make a report," and reports "can be anonymous."

Fraud by a stranger counts as exploitation for protective services. For adult protective services, RSA 161-F:43, IV defines exploitation to include "situations where a person obtains money, property, or services from a vulnerable adult through the use of undue influence, harassment, duress, deception, or fraud." That definition covers "vulnerable" adults, meaning people whose physical, mental or emotional ability leaves them "unable to manage personal, home, or financial affairs in his or her own best interest." It does not cover every person over a certain age.

The criminal exploitation statute is narrower. RSA 631:9 makes financial exploitation of an "elderly, disabled, or impaired adult" a crime (under RSA 631:8, an "elderly adult" is someone 60 or older). It reaches two kinds of conduct: a fiduciary, such as an agent under a durable power of attorney, a guardian, a conservator or a trustee, who breaches that duty by using the person's property for someone else's benefit; and a person without legal authority who acquires the person's property "through the use of undue influence, harassment, duress, force, compulsion, coercion," or when the person "knew that the elderly, disabled, or impaired adult lacked capacity to consent," or consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the adult lacked capacity. Deception and fraud are not among the means it lists, so a stranger who simply deceives a capable older person may fall outside it; that conduct may be prosecuted under other criminal laws this page does not cover.

Under RSA 631:10, the offense is a class A felony when the value is $1,500 or more, a class B felony from $1,000 to less than $1,500, and a misdemeanor below $1,000. A person convicted is "sentenced to make restitution of the full value." Restitution is ordered in the criminal case; it is not a separate lawsuit the victim files.

Banks and brokers can pause a suspicious payout. RSA 383-A:5-511-a covers an "eligible adult," meaning a person 65 or older or a vulnerable adult 18 or older. A financial institution "may delay a disbursement" from that person's account if, "after initiating an internal review," it reasonably believes "the requested disbursement may result in financial exploitation." It must notify the Department of Health and Human Services and the banking commissioner within 2 business days, and the delay cannot continue past 15 business days after it began unless a court extends it. A parallel law for broker-dealers and investment advisers, RSA 421-B:5-507-A, allows a delay of up to 15 business days, which can be extended to no more than 25 business days at the secretary of state's request.

Both laws say "may": they let a firm hold a payout, they do not require it. If you are worried about a parent's account, tell the bank or brokerage directly that you suspect a scam, so the people who can use these powers know about it.

For fraud against anyone 60 or older, the federal DOJ National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-372-8311) can also help you report. Our elder fraud guide covers the federal side.

Crypto ATMs (cryptocurrency kiosks) in New Hampshire

SB 482, a 2026 New Hampshire law on cryptocurrency kiosks, was signed by Governor Kelly Ayotte in June 2026, according to a June 19, 2026 release from the Governor's office. We have not yet read its official text, and published summaries of its terms disagree with each other, so this page does not state its limits, waiting periods, refund rules or effective date. We will add them once we have read the law as enacted.

If you sent money through a crypto ATM because of a scam, report it quickly (see the reporting table above and our where to report a scam guide). Our guide to crypto and investment scams explains how these scams work and what to do if you already paid.

Suing a scammer or a business in New Hampshire

Small claims court. The New Hampshire Circuit Court's small claims page says "a person or entity may sue any person or business whom it is alleged owes $10,000.00 or less or who has caused damage of $10,000.00 or less." It adds: "Any claim in excess of $5,000 is subject to mandatory mediation," and "If the claim is over $1500, the Defendant may request a jury trial."

Deadlines. The Consumer Protection Act's 3-year limit and the general 3-year personal-action statute with its discovery rule are described above. Check your dates early.

Who you can actually reach. Lawsuits work against people and businesses with a name, an address and assets. A scammer behind a fake identity, a spoofed caller ID or an overseas account is usually not reachable through a New Hampshire court. In those cases, your payment company, a fast report to law enforcement and protecting your identity are where your effort pays off. If the scammer has your personal information, see our guide on what to do when a scammer has your information.

Related guides

• Scams and fraud: your rights and where to start
• How to get money back after a scam
• Where to report a scam
• Zelle and payment app scams
• Phishing, smishing and vishing
• Elder fraud
• New Hampshire identity theft laws
• New Hampshire debt collection laws
• New Hampshire statute of limitations

Last updated: October 2, 2026.

This article is general legal information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, contact your payment company, the New Hampshire office named above, or a lawyer licensed in New Hampshire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue a scammer in New Hampshire?

Possibly, if you can identify and serve them. RSA 358-A:10 lets any person injured by an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce within New Hampshire sue, unless an exclusion in RSA 358-A:3 applies, but an anonymous or overseas scammer is usually not reachable through a New Hampshire court.

How much can I recover under the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act?

If you win, actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater (RSA 358-A:10). If the court finds the violation was willful or knowing, it must award at least 2 times and up to 3 times that amount, plus costs and reasonable attorney's fees.

Do I have to send a demand letter before suing under RSA 358-A?

RSA 358-A:10, the private-action section, contains no pre-suit notice requirement. The court clerk sends a copy of the complaint and any judgment to the Attorney General.

Can I use the Consumer Protection Act against my bank?

Possibly not. RSA 358-A:3, I excludes trade or commerce subject to the bank commissioner, the securities director, federal banking regulators and certain other regulators. Complaints about a state-chartered bank or credit union can go to the New Hampshire Banking Department.

How long do I have to sue for a scam in New Hampshire?

Generally 3 years. The Consumer Protection Act does not apply to transactions more than 3 years before you knew or reasonably should have known of the violation (RSA 358-A:3, IV-a), and RSA 508:4, I gives 3 years for personal actions, running from discovery in some cases.

Will the New Hampshire Attorney General get my money back?

Do not count on it. An attorney reviews each written complaint and may forward it to the business, but the Bureau says a complaint does not guarantee investigation or resolution and it cannot represent you.

Who do I call if an elderly person in New Hampshire is being scammed?

If the person is a vulnerable adult, report to the Bureau of Adult and Aging Care Services at (603) 271-7014 or 1-800-949-0470 (toll free in New Hampshire); state law requires any person who suspects exploitation to report. The DOJ Elder Fraud Hotline (833-372-8311) helps with fraud against anyone 60 or older.

Can a New Hampshire bank hold money if it suspects elder fraud?

Yes, but it is not required to. Under RSA 383-A:5-511-a a bank may delay a disbursement from the account of someone 65 or older, or a vulnerable adult, for up to 15 business days if it suspects exploitation; a court can extend the delay.

Does New Hampshire regulate crypto ATMs?

SB 482, a 2026 law on cryptocurrency kiosks, was signed by Governor Kelly Ayotte in June 2026, according to the Governor's office. We have not yet read its official text, so we do not state its terms or effective date here.

What is the small claims limit in New Hampshire?

$10,000. Claims over $5,000 go to mandatory mediation, and if the claim is over $1,500 the defendant may request a jury trial, according to the New Hampshire Circuit Court.