Protecting Washington Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Washington seniors are not immune. In 2025, 388 older adults in Washington 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 Washington Seniors Are Targeted
Washington’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Tech-hub overconfidence: Washington’s tech culture can make seniors feel “too savvy” to be scammed, which scammers exploit
- Rural eastern Washington: East of the Cascades, Washington is vast and rural with limited access to services and broadband
- High wealth concentration: The Seattle metro’s tech wealth creates affluent retirees who are prime targets for investment scams
- Military communities: Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Naval Station Kitsap bring military retirees targeted by VA impersonation scams
- Rainy winters: Western Washington’s long, dark, rainy season keeps seniors indoors and online for extended periods
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Washington (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 109 | $989K | — |
| 2022 | 100 | $2.1M | +112% |
| 2023 | 132 | $6.7M | +220% |
| 2024 | 228 | $5.9M | -12% |
| 2025 | 388 | $15.7M | +166% |
| 5-Year Total | 957 | $31.4M | +1488% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Washington residents aged 60 and older.
Washington ranks #6 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $15.7 million lost in 2025 across 388 reported victims. That represents 3.7% of all U.S. government impersonation scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +166% — significantly faster than the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Washington grew +1488%.
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 Washington
- Office of the Washington Attorney General: (360) 753-6200 | atg.wa.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Washington Adult Protective Services: (866) 363-4276
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)