Protecting Utah Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and Utah is no exception. In 2025, 188 Utah seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $65.9 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why Utah Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to Utah put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- Affinity fraud capital: Utah has historically been called the “affinity fraud capital” due to scammers exploiting tight-knit religious and community networks
- Trust culture: Utah’s strong community bonds and culture of trust make seniors particularly vulnerable to scams from people who appear to share their values
- Growing senior population: Utah’s 65-and-over population is growing rapidly as retirees are attracted by the state’s natural beauty and low crime
- Rural western areas: Much of southern and western Utah is extremely rural with limited access to services and broadband
- Multi-level marketing culture: Utah’s history with MLM companies can blur the line between legitimate and fraudulent investment opportunities for seniors
5-Year Trend: Investment Scam Losses in Utah (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 18 | $2.4M | — |
| 2022 | 40 | $8.4M | +247% |
| 2023 | 70 | $11.1M | +32% |
| 2024 | 120 | $16.5M | +49% |
| 2025 | 188 | $32.4M | +97% |
| 5-Year Total | 436 | $70.9M | +1233% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Utah residents aged 60 and older.
Utah ranks #24 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $32.4 million lost in 2025 across 188 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +97% — significantly faster than the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in Utah grew +1233%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Investment Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Investment Fraud in Utah
- Office of the Utah Attorney General: (801) 538-9600 | attorneygeneral.utah.gov
- SEC: sec.gov/tcr
- FINRA: (844) 574-3577 | brokercheck.finra.org
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from investment scams:
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