Protecting New Mexico Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and New Mexico seniors are not immune. In 2025, 127 older adults in New Mexico 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 New Mexico Seniors Are Targeted
New Mexico’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Rural and frontier areas: Much of New Mexico is classified as “frontier” territory with extremely low population density, leaving seniors isolated
- Native American elders: New Mexico’s large Indigenous population includes elders who may face language barriers and limited internet access on tribal lands
- High elderly poverty: New Mexico has one of the highest elderly poverty rates in the western U.S., making seniors more susceptible to financial promises
- Military retirees: Kirtland Air Force Base and other installations bring military retirees targeted by VA impersonation scams
- Limited broadband: Rural and tribal areas of New Mexico have some of the lowest broadband access rates in the nation
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in New Mexico (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 28 | $54K | — |
| 2022 | 36 | $802K | +1373% |
| 2023 | 50 | $428K | -47% |
| 2024 | 77 | $912K | +113% |
| 2025 | 127 | $4.1M | +353% |
| 5-Year Total | 318 | $6.3M | +7489% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for New Mexico residents aged 60 and older.
New Mexico ranks #22 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $4.1 million lost in 2025 across 127 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +353% — significantly faster than the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in New Mexico grew +7489%.
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 New Mexico
- Office of the New Mexico Attorney General: (505) 490-4060 | nmag.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- New Mexico Adult Protective Services: (866) 654-3219
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)