Protecting Seniors From Online Scams
Every Senior Deserves Online Safety
— A NONPROFIT INITIATIVE —
2025 FBI IC3 Elder Fraud Report: American seniors lost $7.7 billion to online fraud in 2025 — up 59% from 2024. Over 200,000 seniors filed complaints. View the full 2025 data breakdown by state and crime type.
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Investment Scams
Investment scams are the #1 financial threat to seniors. In 2025, older adults lost $3.5 billion to investment fraud — up 92% from 2024. Criminals promise high, guaranteed returns on fake opportunities, often involving cryptocurrency.
Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams are the #2 costliest fraud against seniors, with $1.04 billion in losses in 2025 and over 21,000 victims — more victims than any other major money-loss scam category. Criminals pose as tech support agents to steal money and data.
Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation losses nearly doubled in 2025 — seniors lost $413 million, up 99% from 2024 ($208 million → $413 million). Criminals pose as officials from Social Security, the IRS, or Medicare to pressure seniors into sending money or sharing personal information.
Romance Scams
Romance scams cost seniors $584 million in 2025 across more than 10,000 complaints, making it up 50% from 2024 and among the cruelest scam categories. Criminals create fake relationships online to gain trust, then exploit victims for money — increasingly using AI-generated photos and deepfake video.
Lottery, Sweepstakes & Inheritance Scams
Seniors lost $136 million to lottery, sweepstakes, and inheritance scams in 2025. Criminals claim you’ve won a prize but must pay fees or taxes first — the prize never exists, and every dollar sent is stolen.
Extortion Scams
Seniors lost $54 million to extortion in 2025, with over 9,100 victims. Criminals threaten to expose private information or fabricated images unless the victim pays — increasingly powered by AI capable of generating fake images and cloning voices.
AI-Powered Scams — A Growing Threat
Artificial intelligence is making scams harder to detect than ever. Criminals now clone voices, create deepfake videos, and write flawless phishing messages that bypass every traditional warning sign. In 2025, AI-related fraud cost seniors $352 million. Learn how each technique works and how to protect yourself.
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A Three-Minute Protocol to Reduce AI Manipulation Risk
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Rockford-area agencies give tips to protect seniors
Mentioned by WIFR (IL – CBS/Gray Media Inc.).
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Protecting Seniors from Online Scams: How Cybersecurity Professionals Can Help
Featured by ISC2, the world’s leading member association for cybersecurity professionals.
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Boomers are getting scammed for billions online — here’s how to break the cycle
Featured by The Hill, a top U.S. nonpartisan political website. The Hill’s coverage includes the U.S. Congress, the presidency and executive branch, and election campaigns.
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State-by-State Reporting Resources
Already been scammed? Emergency steps by what happened
Jump straight to the emergency guide for your situation. Each one walks you through the exact steps, phone numbers, and free resources for that kind of scam.
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Specific scam types and seasonal scam patterns aimed at older adults.
More from HCSK
Specialized entry points for different audiences and uses. Whether you are a senior, family caregiver, journalist, academic, frontline professional, or community partner — these collect what you need.
Scammers increasingly target older adults through fake calls, emails, tech support, and even AI.
Awareness and early action are key. Learn how to recognize, report, and resist scams, and help protect your community from this rising threat.