Protecting District of Columbia Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and District of Columbia seniors are not immune. In 2025, 25 older adults in District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia Seniors Are Targeted
District of Columbia’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Government trust factor: Living in the nation’s capital, DC seniors may be more likely to believe callers claiming to represent federal agencies
- High cost of living: DC’s expensive cost of living means seniors on fixed incomes feel greater pressure from financial scams promising returns
- Diverse population: DC’s diverse senior population includes immigrants who may be targeted with language-specific scams or threats about immigration status
- Dense urban environment: While urban, many DC seniors live alone in apartments with limited social networks, increasing vulnerability to isolation-based scams
- Federal employee retirees: DC’s large federal retiree population is targeted by scammers impersonating agencies like OPM, SSA, and the IRS
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in District of Columbia (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 10 | $372K | — |
| 2022 | 7 | $5K | -99% |
| 2023 | 10 | $79 | -98% |
| 2024 | 13 | $1.2M | +1470653% |
| 2025 | 25 | $522K | -55% |
| 5-Year Total | 65 | $2.1M | +40% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for District of Columbia residents aged 60 and older.
District of Columbia ranks #44 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $522,287 lost in 2025 across 25 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -55%, outperforming the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in District of Columbia grew +40%.
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 District of Columbia
- Office of the District of Columbia Attorney General: (202) 727-3400 | oag.dc.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- DC Adult Protective Services: (202) 541-3950
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)