The FBI is urging seniors and their families to stay alert to the growing threat of elder fraud. Criminals are increasingly targeting older Americans with sophisticated scams that not only drain life savings but also leave lasting emotional and mental scars.
The FBI investigates a wide range of schemes aimed at seniors, including investment fraud, romance scams, money mule operations, and tech support hoaxes. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), Americans over 60 reported 147,127 complaints in 2024, totaling $4.885 billion in losses—a 46% increase in complaints and a 43% increase in losses compared to 2023.
Ohio was hit particularly hard: 5,389 victims over 60 lost more than $95 million in 2024. Of that, $31 million stemmed from investment scams, $11 million from romance scams, and $10 million from tech support schemes.
“Scams are becoming more complex, and scammers have become savvier, adding multiple levels of deceit from the moment they make contact,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “The FBI will continue its pursuit to identify these criminals and dismantle scam and fraud-based networks.”
The FBI advises seniors and their loved ones to research unfamiliar contacts and offers, resist high-pressure tactics, be cautious of unsolicited calls or visits, and never share personal or financial information with unverified sources.
Anyone who suspects elder fraud is encouraged to report it immediately by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI, submitting a tip at tips.fbi.gov, or filing a complaint through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov).
