Protecting South Dakota Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and South Dakota seniors are not immune. In 2025, 23 older adults in South Dakota 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 South Dakota Seniors Are Targeted
South Dakota’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Vast rural distances: South Dakota’s extremely low population density means many seniors live hours from the nearest city or tech support
- Native American elders: South Dakota’s large Native American population includes elders on reservations with limited broadband and services
- Agricultural wealth: Farming and ranching seniors with land assets are targeted by scammers pushing fake investment opportunities
- Harsh winters: Brutal South Dakota winters isolate seniors for months, increasing vulnerability to phone and online scams
- No state income tax: South Dakota’s tax-friendly policies attract retirees with savings that scammers target
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in South Dakota (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 10 | $193K | — |
| 2022 | 8 | $48K | -75% |
| 2023 | 10 | $142K | +199% |
| 2024 | 17 | $264K | +86% |
| 2025 | 23 | $2.1M | +688% |
| 5-Year Total | 68 | $2.7M | +977% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for South Dakota residents aged 60 and older.
South Dakota ranks #32 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $2.1 million lost in 2025 across 23 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +688% — significantly faster than the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in South Dakota grew +977%.
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 South Dakota
- Office of the South Dakota Attorney General: (605) 773-3215 | atg.sd.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- South Dakota Adult Protective Services: (605) 773-3656
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)