Protecting North Dakota Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and North Dakota is no exception. In 2025, 22 North Dakota seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $5.9 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why North Dakota Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to North Dakota put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- Extreme rural isolation: North Dakota is one of the least densely populated states, with many seniors living far from any in-person services
- Oil wealth: The Bakken oil boom brought wealth to parts of the state, making some seniors targets for investment scams
- Brutal winters: North Dakota’s severe winters keep seniors homebound for months, greatly increasing exposure to phone and online scams
- Agricultural communities: Farming and ranching seniors with land and assets are targeted by scammers pushing fake investments
- Small-town trust: North Dakota’s tight-knit small communities foster a level of trust that scammers exploit through impersonation
5-Year Trend: Investment Scam Losses in North Dakota (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 1 | $46K | — |
| 2022 | 1 | $7K | -85% |
| 2023 | 8 | $1.4M | +19766% |
| 2024 | 21 | $3.0M | +125% |
| 2025 | 22 | $1.5M | -51% |
| 5-Year Total | 53 | $5.9M | +3155% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for North Dakota residents aged 60 and older.
North Dakota ranks #52 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $1.5 million lost in 2025 across 22 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -51%, outperforming the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in North Dakota grew +3155%.
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 North Dakota
- Office of the North Dakota Attorney General: (701) 328-2210 | attorneygeneral.nd.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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