Protecting Maine Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Maine seniors are not immune. In 2025, 35 older adults in Maine 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 Maine Seniors Are Targeted
Maine’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Oldest median age: Maine has the oldest median age in the nation at 44.8 years, with over 21% of residents aged 65 and older
- Extreme rural isolation: Maine is the most rural state in the eastern U.S., with many seniors living in remote areas far from in-person support
- Harsh winters: Long, cold Maine winters keep seniors indoors for months, increasing time on phones and computers where scammers operate
- Limited broadband: Much of northern and western Maine lacks reliable internet, meaning seniors may be less familiar with online scam tactics
- Independent culture: Maine’s self-reliant culture means seniors may be reluctant to ask for help or admit they’ve been targeted by a scam
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Maine (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 15 | $270K | — |
| 2022 | 19 | $631K | +133% |
| 2023 | 23 | $225K | -64% |
| 2024 | 33 | $1.5M | +550% |
| 2025 | 35 | $314K | -79% |
| 5-Year Total | 125 | $2.9M | +16% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Maine residents aged 60 and older.
Maine ranks #49 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $313,613 lost in 2025 across 35 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -79%, outperforming the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Maine grew +16%.
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 Maine
- Office of the Maine Attorney General: (207) 626-8800 | maine.gov/ag
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Maine Adult Protective Services: (800) 624-8404
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)