Protecting Vermont Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and Vermont is no exception. In 2025, 26 Vermont seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $8.5 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why Vermont Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to Vermont put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- 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: Investment Scam Losses in Vermont (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 2 | $931K | — |
| 2022 | 5 | $57K | -94% |
| 2023 | 10 | $3.0M | +5066% |
| 2024 | 6 | $496K | -83% |
| 2025 | 26 | $2.7M | +441% |
| 5-Year Total | 49 | $7.1M | +189% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Vermont residents aged 60 and older.
Vermont ranks #50 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $2.7 million lost in 2025 across 26 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +441% — significantly faster than the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in Vermont grew +189%.
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 Vermont
- Office of the Vermont Attorney General: (802) 828-3173 | ago.vermont.gov
- SEC: sec.gov/tcr
- FINRA: (844) 574-3577 | brokercheck.finra.org
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
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