Protecting Alabama Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Alabama seniors are not immune. In 2025, 186 older adults in Alabama reported government impersonation fraud to the FBI. Scammers pose as officials from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or law enforcement to frighten seniors into sending money or revealing personal information.
Why Alabama Seniors Are Targeted
Alabama’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Southern hospitality: Alabama’s culture of warmth and trust makes seniors more likely to engage with callers who sound friendly and authoritative
- Rural isolation: Over 41% of Alabama’s population lives in rural areas where in-person tech support and financial advisors are scarce
- Elderly poverty: Alabama has one of the highest elderly poverty rates in the nation, making seniors more susceptible to promises of quick financial gains
- Limited broadband: Many rural Alabama counties have limited internet infrastructure, meaning seniors may be less familiar with online scam tactics
- Faith community targeting: Scammers exploit Alabama’s strong church networks through affinity fraud, approaching seniors at places of worship
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Alabama (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 37 | $578K | — |
| 2022 | 39 | $559K | -3% |
| 2023 | 36 | $1.4M | +154% |
| 2024 | 78 | $533K | -62% |
| 2025 | 186 | $2.5M | +365% |
| 5-Year Total | 376 | $5.6M | +329% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Alabama residents aged 60 and older.
Alabama ranks #29 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $2.5 million lost in 2025 across 186 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +365% — significantly faster than the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Alabama grew +329%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Government Impersonation Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Government Impersonation Scams in Alabama
- Office of the Alabama Attorney General: (334) 242-7300 | ago.state.al.us
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Alabama Department of Human Resources Adult Protective Services: (800) 458-7214
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from government impersonation scams:
→ Start Government Impersonation Scam Awareness Training (Module 5)