Protecting District of Columbia Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and District of Columbia is no exception. In 2025, 15 District of Columbia seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $10.1 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why District of Columbia Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to District of Columbia put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- Government trust factor: Living in the nation’s capital, DC seniors may be more likely to believe callers claiming to represent federal agencies
- High cost of living: DC’s expensive cost of living means seniors on fixed incomes feel greater pressure from financial scams promising returns
- Diverse population: DC’s diverse senior population includes immigrants who may be targeted with language-specific scams or threats about immigration status
- Dense urban environment: While urban, many DC seniors live alone in apartments with limited social networks, increasing vulnerability to isolation-based scams
- Federal employee retirees: DC’s large federal retiree population is targeted by scammers impersonating agencies like OPM, SSA, and the IRS
5-Year Trend: Investment Scam Losses in District of Columbia (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 3 | $238K | — |
| 2022 | 2 | $553K | +132% |
| 2023 | 7 | $1.8M | +220% |
| 2024 | 11 | $776K | -56% |
| 2025 | 15 | $5.7M | +637% |
| 5-Year Total | 38 | $9.1M | +2300% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for District of Columbia residents aged 60 and older.
District of Columbia ranks #46 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $5.7 million lost in 2025 across 15 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +637% — significantly faster than the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in District of Columbia grew +2300%.
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 District of Columbia
- Office of the District of Columbia Attorney General: (202) 727-3400 | oag.dc.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)