Protecting Alaska Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Alaska seniors are not immune. In 2025, 69 older adults in Alaska 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 Alaska Seniors Are Targeted
Alaska’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Geographic isolation: Alaska is the most geographically isolated state, with many seniors living in remote communities accessible only by plane or boat
- Extreme winter isolation: Long, dark Alaskan winters keep seniors indoors for months, increasing time online and exposure to digital scams
- Military retiree population: Alaska’s large military retiree community is specifically targeted by scammers impersonating VA and military benefits offices
- Limited local services: Many Alaskan communities have no local computer shops, banks, or government offices, forcing seniors to rely on phone and online services
- High cost of living: Alaska’s expensive cost of living means financial losses from scams are even more devastating to seniors on fixed incomes
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Alaska (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 73 | $40K | — |
| 2022 | 10 | $4K | -89% |
| 2023 | 25 | $125K | +2767% |
| 2024 | 54 | $748K | +498% |
| 2025 | 69 | $321K | -57% |
| 5-Year Total | 231 | $1.2M | +709% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Alaska residents aged 60 and older.
Alaska ranks #48 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $320,657 lost in 2025 across 69 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -57%, outperforming the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Alaska grew +709%.
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 Alaska
- Office of the Alaska Attorney General: (907) 269-5602 | law.alaska.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Alaska Adult Protective Services: (800) 478-9996
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)