Protecting Nebraska Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and Nebraska is no exception. In 2025, 89 Nebraska seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $28.4 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why Nebraska Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to Nebraska put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- Agricultural wealth: Many Nebraska seniors hold significant assets from farming and ranching, making them attractive targets for scammers pushing land deals, commodity investments, or fake agricultural funds
- Rural isolation: Seniors in rural Nebraska often lack access to licensed financial advisors, leaving them more likely to trust cold callers or online pitches
- Retirement savings: Nebraska’s cost of living is lower than the national average, meaning many retirees have accumulated substantial nest eggs that scammers want to exploit
- Community trust: Midwestern culture emphasizes trust and politeness, which scammers exploit through affinity fraud — targeting seniors through church groups, social clubs, and community organizations
- Limited financial literacy programs: Fewer in-person financial education resources in smaller Nebraska towns means seniors may not recognize sophisticated investment fraud tactics
5-Year Trend: Investment Scam Losses in Nebraska (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 5 | $322K | — |
| 2022 | 21 | $9.4M | +2818% |
| 2023 | 23 | $4.2M | -55% |
| 2024 | 41 | $10.5M | +148% |
| 2025 | 89 | $13.8M | +32% |
| 5-Year Total | 179 | $38.2M | +4193% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Nebraska residents aged 60 and older.
Nebraska ranks #37 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $13.8 million lost in 2025 across 89 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed +32%, outperforming the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in Nebraska grew +4193%.
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 Nebraska
- Office of the Nebraska Attorney General: (402) 471-2682 | protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov
- Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance: (402) 471-2171 | ndbf.nebraska.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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