Protecting Oregon Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Oregon seniors are not immune. In 2025, 257 older adults in Oregon 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 Oregon Seniors Are Targeted
Oregon’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Rural eastern Oregon: While Portland has resources, eastern Oregon is vast, rural, and isolated with limited access to in-person support
- Retiree migration: Oregon’s natural beauty attracts retirees, many of whom are far from family and existing support networks
- Progressive trust: Oregon’s community-oriented culture can make seniors more trusting of callers who present themselves as helpful
- Rainy winters: Oregon’s long, rainy winters keep seniors indoors, increasing time spent on phones and computers where scammers operate
- Tech-adjacent culture: Portland’s tech scene means some seniors feel tech-savvy enough that they won’t be scammed, which itself creates vulnerability
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Oregon (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 59 | $149K | — |
| 2022 | 67 | $5.0M | +3276% |
| 2023 | 75 | $1.8M | -65% |
| 2024 | 167 | $4.2M | +140% |
| 2025 | 257 | $3.1M | -28% |
| 5-Year Total | 625 | $14.2M | +1948% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Oregon residents aged 60 and older.
Oregon ranks #24 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $3.1 million lost in 2025 across 257 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -28%, outperforming the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Oregon grew +1948%.
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 Oregon
- Office of the Oregon Attorney General: (503) 378-6002 | doj.state.or.us
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Oregon Adult Protective Services: (855) 503-7233
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)