Senior Scam Prevention & Fraud Resources in Arizona

I. Overview: Arizona’s Senior Population & Key Cities

State of Arizona

Arizona has become one of the most popular retirement destinations in the United States, with a total population of approximately 7.5 million as of 2024. Of that number, around 1.4 million residents are aged 65 and older, making up 18.7% of the state’s population — one of the highest senior percentages nationwide.

This aging population is particularly concentrated in cities and retirement communities across the state. The top three cities by population — all with substantial older adult populations — are:

  • Phoenix (approx. 1.7 million people)
  • Tucson (approx. 550,000 people)
  • Mesa (approx. 520,000 people)

These cities are home to hundreds of thousands of seniors and have seen a rise in cyber fraud reports targeting older adults through investment scams, romance schemes, and phishing attacks posing as Medicare or tech support services.

II. 2024 Victim Report: How Scammers Targeted Arizona Seniors

In 2024, Arizona had 6,683 victims aged 60+ who reported losses totaling $190,686,835.

Loss by Crime Type

Crime TypeLoss Amount
Investment$68,021,190
Tech Support$19,867,457
Government Impersonation$5,604,144
Confidence/Romance$30,891,882

III. Emergency & Official Contacts

 Local Police Departments – Elder Fraud Reporting

1. Phoenix Police Department – Financial Crimes Unit

  • Phone: (602) 262-6151 (non-emergency)
  • Website: www.phoenix.gov/police
  • Tip: Request to speak with the Financial Crimes or Elder Fraud division.

2. Tucson Police Department – Fraud Investigations

  • Phone: (520) 791-4444 (non-emergency)
  • Website: www.tucsonaz.gov/police
  • Ask for “Economic Crimes” or “Elder Financial Exploitation” services.

3. Mesa Police Department – Crimes Against Seniors Program

  • Phone: (480) 644-2211 (non-emergency)
  • Website: www.mesaazpolice.gov
  • Specialized programs for elder safety and scam prevention.

 FBI & Federal Reporting Resources

FBI Phoenix Field Office

  • Phone: (623) 466-1999
  • Website: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/phoenix

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

  • Website: www.ic3.gov
  • Report elder scams, identity theft, and online financial fraud.

 Arizona Attorney General – Elder Protection Division

Office of the Arizona Attorney General – Senior Fraud Division

  • Consumer Protection Hotline: (602) 542-5763
  • Toll-Free: (800) 352-8431
  • Website: www.azag.gov/seniors

This division offers:

  • Scam alerts and prevention tips
  • Fraud investigation referrals
  • Victim advocacy services and legal support

 Additional Statewide Elder Fraud Resources

Arizona Adult Protective Services (APS)

  • 24/7 Abuse & Exploitation Hotline: (877) 767-2385
  • Website: des.az.gov/services/aging-and-adult

Arizona Attorney General’s Senior Fraud Task Force – Report Form

  • Online Reporting: www.azag.gov/complaints
  • Tip: File complaints for scams, deceptive calls, and fraudulent services.

Area Agency on Aging, Region One (Maricopa County)

  • 24/7 Senior Help Line: (602) 264-HELP (4357)
  • Website: www.aaaphx.org

Arizona Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

 Take Action, Stay Protected

  • Don’t wait — report fraud attempts even if you didn’t lose money.
  • Save these contacts or share them with older loved ones.
  • Visit our Learning Center to understand how scammers operate, and how to defend against them.
  • Arizona’s seniors lose millions of dollars every year to online fraud, but knowledge and action save lives and livelihoods.
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