Protecting Hawaii Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and Hawaii is no exception. In 2025, 121 Hawaii seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $55.4 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why Hawaii Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to Hawaii put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- Island isolation: Hawaii’s geographic isolation means seniors have limited access to mainland resources, making phone and online “help” seem like the only option
- High cost of living: Hawaii has the highest cost of living in the nation, making seniors on fixed incomes especially vulnerable to financial promises and investment scams
- Military retiree community: Hawaii’s large military retiree population is specifically targeted by scammers impersonating VA and military benefits offices
- Multicultural population: Hawaii’s diverse population includes seniors who may be targeted with language-specific scams or cultural exploitation
- Tourism-driven economy: Scammers exploit Hawaii’s tourism connections with fake vacation timeshare investments and travel-related fraud
5-Year Trend: Investment Scam Losses in Hawaii (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 13 | $3.5M | — |
| 2022 | 45 | $9.4M | +171% |
| 2023 | 60 | $20.2M | +115% |
| 2024 | 80 | $9.8M | -51% |
| 2025 | 121 | $38.7M | +295% |
| 5-Year Total | 319 | $81.6M | +1020% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Hawaii residents aged 60 and older.
Hawaii ranks #22 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $38.7 million lost in 2025 across 121 reported victims. That represents 1.1% of all U.S. investment scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +295% — significantly faster than the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in Hawaii grew +1020%.
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 Hawaii
- Office of the Hawaii Attorney General: (808) 586-1500 | ag.hawaii.gov
- SEC: sec.gov/tcr
- FINRA: (844) 574-3577 | brokercheck.finra.org
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
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