Protecting Puerto Rico Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and Puerto Rico is no exception. In 2025, 87 Puerto Rico seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $8.2 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why Puerto Rico Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to Puerto Rico put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- Language barrier: Spanish-speaking seniors may face language barriers when trying to verify English-language scam calls or access federal fraud reporting resources
- Island isolation: Puerto Rico’s island geography means seniors have limited access to mainland resources and in-person support
- Economic challenges: Puerto Rico’s ongoing economic difficulties mean many seniors live on very limited incomes, making financial scams more devastating
- Hurricane recovery exploitation: Scammers exploit disaster recovery programs, posing as FEMA or insurance representatives
- Family separation: Many Puerto Rican families have members on the mainland, leaving elderly relatives on the island more isolated and vulnerable
5-Year Trend: Investment Scam Losses in Puerto Rico (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 3 | $221K | — |
| 2022 | 4 | $316K | +43% |
| 2023 | 16 | $253K | -20% |
| 2024 | 22 | $1.6M | +536% |
| 2025 | 87 | $4.0M | +146% |
| 5-Year Total | 132 | $6.4M | +1697% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Puerto Rico residents aged 60 and older.
Puerto Rico ranks #48 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $4.0 million lost in 2025 across 87 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +146% — significantly faster than the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in Puerto Rico grew +1697%.
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 Puerto Rico
- Office of the Puerto Rico Attorney General: (787) 721-2900 | justicia.gobierno.pr
- 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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