Protecting Colorado Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and Colorado is no exception. In 2025, 355 Colorado seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $144.5 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why Colorado Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to Colorado put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- Wealthy retiree population: Colorado’s desirable retirement communities attract affluent seniors, making them prime targets for investment scams
- Mountain isolation: Seniors living in mountain towns and rural western Colorado face limited access to in-person services and tech support
- Rapid population growth: Colorado’s senior population is among the fastest-growing in the nation, outpacing fraud prevention resources
- Military and veterans: Colorado’s large military presence includes many retirees targeted by scammers impersonating VA and military benefits offices
- Active lifestyle assumptions: Colorado’s active, outdoors-oriented culture can create a false sense of security — seniors may feel “too savvy” to be scammed
5-Year Trend: Investment Scam Losses in Colorado (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 34 | $2.2M | — |
| 2022 | 77 | $22.0M | +894% |
| 2023 | 142 | $20.1M | -8% |
| 2024 | 193 | $26.5M | +32% |
| 2025 | 355 | $69.4M | +162% |
| 5-Year Total | 801 | $140.2M | +3042% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Colorado residents aged 60 and older.
Colorado ranks #16 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $69.4 million lost in 2025 across 355 reported victims. That represents 2.0% of all U.S. investment scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +162% — significantly faster than the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in Colorado grew +3042%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Investment Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Investment Fraud in Colorado
- Office of the Colorado Attorney General: (720) 508-6000 | coag.gov
- SEC: sec.gov/tcr
- FINRA: (844) 574-3577 | brokercheck.finra.org
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from investment scams:
→ Start Investment Scam Awareness Training (Module 3)