Report
elder fraud.
Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023 — the highest losses of any age group. Seniors are targeted by tech support scams, romance scams, government impersonation, grandparent scams, and investment fraud at alarming rates. If you or a loved one has been scammed, reporting it helps investigators protect others and may help recover funds.
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Elder fraud — the $3.4 billion crisis targeting seniors
Elder fraud is a national crisis. The FBI reported that Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023 — the highest loss amount of any age group. Over 101,000 complaints were filed, with an average loss of $33,915 per victim. Many experts believe the actual numbers are far higher, as a significant percentage of elderly victims never report out of shame, confusion, or fear of losing their independence.
Scammers target seniors for specific reasons: they're more likely to have retirement savings, own their homes, and have good credit. They grew up in an era where a handshake meant something, making them more trusting. And they're often isolated, especially after losing a spouse, which makes them vulnerable to romance scams and social engineering.
Most common scams targeting seniors
Tech support scams ($925M in losses) target seniors with fake virus warnings. Romance scamsexploit loneliness, especially among recently widowed seniors. Government impersonation calls from "the IRS" or "Social Security" create fear. Grandparent scams use AI voice cloning to impersonate a grandchild in distress. Investment scams promise retirement income. And sweepstakes scams tell seniors they've won a prize — some victims have paid hundreds of thousands over years.
How to help a senior who may be a victim
Approach with empathy, not judgment. Elderly scam victims already feel tremendous shame. Don't blame them — instead, validate that these criminals are sophisticated and that anyone can be fooled. Help them file reports with the FBI IC3 and FTC. Contact their bank immediately if money was transferred. Consider a credit freeze. Look into Adult Protective Services if the exploitation is ongoing. The DOJ's Elder Justice Initiative (justice.gov/elderjustice) provides resources for families.
Where else to report
File in multiple places to maximize impact:
- →FBI IC3 — Elder Fraud — ic3.gov — the FBI has a dedicated Elder Fraud unit and has recovered millions
- →FTC — reportfraud.ftc.gov — for pattern tracking and enforcement
- →Adult Protective Services — contact your state's APS if a vulnerable adult is being exploited
- →DOJ Elder Justice — justice.gov/elderjustice — Department of Justice elder fraud resources and hotline
Related scam types
Scammers often combine tactics. If this looks familiar, check these too: