Protecting Mississippi Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Mississippi seniors are not immune. In 2025, 76 older adults in Mississippi 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 Mississippi Seniors Are Targeted
Mississippi’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Highest elderly poverty: Mississippi has the highest elderly poverty rate in the nation, making seniors especially vulnerable to financial promises
- Deep rural isolation: Mississippi is among the most rural states, with many seniors living far from in-person tech support or consumer protection offices
- Limited broadband: Mississippi ranks near the bottom nationally for broadband access, meaning many seniors have limited exposure to online fraud awareness
- Southern trust culture: Mississippi’s culture of hospitality and trust makes seniors more receptive to callers who sound helpful and authoritative
- Faith community targeting: Scammers exploit Mississippi’s strong church networks through affinity fraud schemes targeting congregations
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Mississippi (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 22 | $449K | — |
| 2022 | 15 | $545K | +21% |
| 2023 | 21 | $66K | -88% |
| 2024 | 42 | $144K | +118% |
| 2025 | 76 | $1.7M | +1061% |
| 5-Year Total | 176 | $2.9M | +271% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Mississippi residents aged 60 and older.
Mississippi ranks #35 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $1.7 million lost in 2025 across 76 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +1061% — significantly faster than the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Mississippi grew +271%.
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 Mississippi
- Office of the Mississippi Attorney General: (601) 359-3680 | ago.state.ms.us
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Mississippi Adult Protective Services: (800) 222-8000
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)