Protecting Vermont Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Vermont seniors are not immune. In 2025, 28 older adults in Vermont 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 Vermont Seniors Are Targeted
Vermont’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Oldest state in New England: Vermont has one of the highest median ages in the country at 42.7, with a rapidly growing 65+ population
- Extreme rural isolation: Vermont is the second-least populated state, with many seniors living in small mountain towns far from any consumer protection office
- Harsh winters: Vermont’s long, severe winters keep seniors homebound for 4-5 months, dramatically increasing phone and internet exposure to scams
- Limited broadband: Many rural Vermont communities, especially in the Northeast Kingdom, lack reliable internet, reducing access to online fraud education
- Independent culture: Vermont’s fiercely self-reliant culture means seniors may resist asking for help or reporting that they’ve been victimized
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Vermont (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 12 | $361K | — |
| 2022 | 11 | $1.3M | +249% |
| 2023 | 9 | $29K | -98% |
| 2024 | 10 | $624K | +2063% |
| 2025 | 28 | $962K | +54% |
| 5-Year Total | 70 | $3.2M | +167% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Vermont residents aged 60 and older.
Vermont ranks #43 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $961,949 lost in 2025 across 28 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed +54%, outperforming the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Vermont grew +167%.
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 Vermont
- Office of the Vermont Attorney General: (802) 828-3173 | ago.vermont.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Vermont Adult Protective Services: (800) 564-1612
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)