2025 Year in Review: The Scams That Cost Seniors $4.9 Billion

As 2025 comes to a close, it is time to reflect on the scam landscape that targeted our senior community this year. The numbers are staggering, but understanding what happened helps us prepare for what is coming in 2026.

The Devastating Numbers

According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, Americans over 60 lost $4.9 billion to online scams. This represents a significant increase from previous years, and experts believe the actual losses are even higher since many victims never report.

The average senior scam victim lost over $35,000—often representing years of retirement savings wiped out in a single incident.

The Top 5 Scams of 2025

1. Investment Scams: $1.8 Billion Lost

Investment fraud claimed the largest share of senior losses this year. Criminals used sophisticated tactics including fake cryptocurrency platforms, fraudulent trading apps, and impersonation of legitimate financial advisors. Many victims were contacted through social media or dating sites before being steered toward fake investments.

Learn more: How to Spot Investment Scams

2. Tech Support Scams: Nearly $1 Billion Lost

The classic pop-up warning remained devastatingly effective in 2025. Criminals refined their tactics with more convincing fake security alerts, remote access tools, and elaborate call center operations. Many victims were convinced to empty bank accounts or purchase gift cards to “protect” their computers from non-existent threats.

Learn more: Protecting Yourself from Tech Support Scams

3. Romance Scams: $389 Million Lost

Loneliness continued to be exploited ruthlessly. Scammers spent weeks or months building emotional connections before requesting money for emergencies, travel, or medical bills. The rise of AI-generated photos and deepfake video calls made these scams harder to detect than ever.

Learn more: Romance Scam Warning Signs

4. Government Impersonation Scams: Hundreds of Millions Lost

Scammers impersonating the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, and law enforcement remained a persistent threat. Caller ID spoofing made these calls appear legitimate, and threats of arrest or benefit suspension created panic that clouded judgment.

Learn more: Government Impersonation Scam Guide

5. Grandparent Scams: AI Makes Them Worse

The emergence of AI voice cloning transformed the grandparent scam from suspicious to terrifyingly convincing. Scammers could now call seniors using voices that sounded exactly like their grandchildren, claiming to be in jail, in an accident, or stranded abroad.

What We Learned in 2025

  • AI changed everything: Voice cloning, deepfakes, and AI-generated content made scams more believable
  • Social media is a hunting ground: Many scams now start on Facebook, Instagram, or dating apps
  • Gift cards remain the currency of scams: No legitimate organization requests payment in gift cards
  • Urgency is the weapon: Creating panic prevents victims from thinking clearly
  • Isolation increases risk: Seniors who talk to family before acting are far less likely to be victimized

Protect Yourself in 2026

The best defense against scams is education. Take these steps now:

  1. Take our free training: Complete our scam prevention modules
  2. Create a family code word: A secret phrase only family knows can verify emergency calls
  3. Never act under pressure: Legitimate organizations give you time to verify
  4. Verify independently: Hang up and call the official number, not one provided by the caller
  5. Talk before you act: Discuss any financial request with a trusted family member first

If You Were Targeted This Year

If you lost money to a scam in 2025, you are not alone. Reporting helps authorities track criminals and may help recover funds.

Read More: Latest Senior Fraud Alerts and Cases

Statistics source: FBI IC3 Elder Fraud Report