Protecting Rhode Island Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Rhode Island seniors are not immune. In 2025, 31 older adults in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Seniors Are Targeted
Rhode Island’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Small state, tight networks: Rhode Island’s small size means scammers can quickly spread through community networks and target connected groups
- Aging population: Rhode Island has one of the oldest populations in New England, with a high percentage of residents over 65
- Italian-American communities: Tight-knit ethnic communities are targeted through affinity fraud schemes that exploit cultural trust
- New England winters: Cold winters keep seniors indoors, increasing exposure to phone and online scams
- Healthcare dependence: Rhode Island’s seniors rely heavily on healthcare systems, making Medicare and insurance scams particularly effective
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Rhode Island (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 5 | $90K | — |
| 2022 | 9 | $111K | +23% |
| 2023 | 21 | $662K | +497% |
| 2024 | 20 | $92K | -86% |
| 2025 | 31 | $1.4M | +1464% |
| 5-Year Total | 86 | $2.4M | +1499% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Rhode Island residents aged 60 and older.
Rhode Island ranks #36 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $1.4 million lost in 2025 across 31 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +1464% — significantly faster than the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Rhode Island grew +1499%.
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 Rhode Island
- Office of the Rhode Island Attorney General: (401) 274-4400 | riag.ri.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Rhode Island Adult Protective Services: (401) 462-0555
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)