Elder Fraud Statistics & Research: What the Data Tells Us in January 2026
Last Updated: January 2026 | Sources: FBI IC3, FTC, DOJ, U.S. Senate
Understanding the scope of elder fraud helps families, caregivers, and seniors themselves recognize the urgency of prevention. The statistics below come directly from federal law enforcement and consumer protection agencies. For a comprehensive overview of how scammers target older Americans, see our guide to Protecting America’s Seniors from Online Scams.
The Big Picture: Elder Fraud in America
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) 2024 Annual Report, Americans age 60 and older reported:
- $4.885 billion in total losses
- 147,127 complaints filed
- 43% increase in losses from 2023
- $83,000 average loss per victim
- 7,500+ victims lost more than $100,000 each
Seniors (60+) now represent the largest victim group by total losses of any age category tracked by the FBI.
Most Costly Scam Types Targeting Seniors
The FBI’s 2024 data reveals which scams cause the greatest financial harm to older Americans:
| Scam Type | Losses (60+) | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Scams | $1.834 billion | Prevention Guide |
| Tech Support Scams | $982 million | Prevention Guide |
| Romance Scams | $389 million | Prevention Guide |
| Business Email Compromise | $385 million | Reporting Guide |
| Government Impersonation | $208 million | Prevention Guide |
Investment scams alone account for more than one-third of all elder fraud losses. These often involve cryptocurrency and are sometimes called “pig butchering” scams, where criminals build relationships before introducing fake investment platforms.
State-by-State Elder Fraud Losses
Elder fraud affects every state, but losses vary significantly by population and other factors. Here are the states with the highest reported losses among victims 60+:
| State | Victims (60+) | Losses (60+) | Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 18,091 | $832,710,048 | CA Resources |
| Texas | 9,473 | $489,790,386 | TX Resources |
| Florida | 11,902 | $388,436,198 | FL Resources |
| New York | 6,225 | $257,658,301 | NY Resources |
| Arizona | 6,683 | $190,686,835 | AZ Resources |
| Pennsylvania | 6,353 | $151,096,514 | PA Resources |
| Vermont | 243 | $4,177,269 | VT Resources |
For a complete list of state resources and local reporting contacts, visit our State-by-State Reporting Guide.
FTC Findings: The True Cost May Be Higher
The Federal Trade Commission’s December 2025 Report on Older Adults suggests the actual cost of fraud is far greater than reported numbers indicate:
- Estimated total cost: $10.1 billion to $81.5 billion annually
- Reported losses: Grew from $600 million (2020) to $2.4 billion (2024)
- Median loss for 60+: $800 (highest of any age group)
- Many victims never report due to shame or not realizing they were scammed
The FTC notes that older adults are more likely to lose money once targeted, and they tend to lose larger amounts than younger victims.
DOJ Enforcement Actions
The Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative (EAPPA 2025) reports significant law enforcement action:
- 283 criminal enforcement actions
- 608 defendants charged
- $2.36 billion stolen by prosecuted criminals
- 1+ million victims affected by prosecuted schemes
The DOJ has prioritized shutting down transnational fraud call centers, particularly those operating from overseas locations targeting American seniors.
Senate Aging Committee Findings
The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging continues to investigate elder fraud and provides a dedicated hotline for seniors:
Senate Fraud Hotline: 1-855-303-9470
The Committee’s annual report highlights the most common scams reported by constituents and works to shape policy responses to protect older Americans.
Key Trends to Watch
- Cryptocurrency is increasingly involved: $2.8 billion in elder fraud losses involved cryptocurrency in 2024
- Investment scams are growing fastest: Up 47% in losses from 2023
- Tech support scams remain persistent: Nearly $1 billion annually targeting seniors
- AI is enabling new threats: Voice cloning and deepfakes make impersonation scams more convincing
- Recovery scams target previous victims: Criminals re-contact scam victims offering to “help” recover losses
What These Numbers Mean for You
If you or a loved one is over 60, these statistics underscore the importance of:
- Education: Learn to recognize common scam tactics through our free online training
- Communication: Talk openly with family about scam attempts
- Verification: Always verify unexpected contacts independently
- Reporting: Report scams even if you did not lose money—it helps protect others
Report a Scam
If you have been targeted or victimized:
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: (833) 372-8311
- Senate Fraud Hotline: 1-855-303-9470
- Your State Attorney General: Find your state’s contact
Sources
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, 2024 IC3 Annual Report
Federal Trade Commission, Protecting Older Adults from Fraud (December 2025)
U.S. Department of Justice, Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act Report (2025)
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, Fighting Fraud: Senate Aging Committee Priorities