Protecting Puerto Rico Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Puerto Rico seniors are not immune. In 2025, 20 older adults in Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico Seniors Are Targeted
Puerto Rico’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Language barrier: Spanish-speaking seniors may face language barriers when trying to verify English-language scam calls or access federal fraud reporting resources
- Island isolation: Puerto Rico’s island geography means seniors have limited access to mainland resources and in-person support
- Economic challenges: Puerto Rico’s ongoing economic difficulties mean many seniors live on very limited incomes, making financial scams more devastating
- Hurricane recovery exploitation: Scammers exploit disaster recovery programs, posing as FEMA or insurance representatives
- Family separation: Many Puerto Rican families have members on the mainland, leaving elderly relatives on the island more isolated and vulnerable
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Puerto Rico (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 6 | $2K | — |
| 2022 | 33 | $57K | +3150% |
| 2023 | 12 | $146K | +156% |
| 2024 | 13 | $23K | -84% |
| 2025 | 20 | $249K | +981% |
| 5-Year Total | 84 | $477K | +14020% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Puerto Rico residents aged 60 and older.
Puerto Rico ranks #50 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $248,519 lost in 2025 across 20 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +981% — significantly faster than the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Puerto Rico grew +14020%.
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 Puerto Rico
- Office of the Puerto Rico Attorney General: (787) 721-2900 | justicia.gobierno.pr
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Puerto Rico Office of the Ombudsman for the Elderly: (787) 725-9420
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)