Protecting West Virginia Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and West Virginia seniors are not immune. In 2025, 59 older adults in West Virginia 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 West Virginia Seniors Are Targeted
West Virginia’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Oldest state by median age: West Virginia has one of the highest median ages in the nation, with over 20% of residents aged 65+
- Appalachian isolation: West Virginia’s mountainous terrain creates extreme geographic isolation for many senior residents
- High elderly poverty: West Virginia has one of the highest elderly poverty rates in the country, making seniors desperate and vulnerable
- Limited broadband: West Virginia ranks near the bottom nationally for broadband access, especially in rural mountain areas
- Coal retirees: Former coal industry workers often have pension and black lung benefit payments that scammers target
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in West Virginia (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 9 | $1K | — |
| 2022 | 15 | $124K | +12332% |
| 2023 | 14 | $230K | +85% |
| 2024 | 44 | $804K | +249% |
| 2025 | 59 | $1.2M | +48% |
| 5-Year Total | 141 | $2.3M | +118812% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for West Virginia residents aged 60 and older.
West Virginia ranks #39 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $1.2 million lost in 2025 across 59 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed +48%, outperforming the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in West Virginia grew +118812%.
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 West Virginia
- Office of the West Virginia Attorney General: (304) 558-2021 | wvago.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- West Virginia Adult Protective Services: (800) 352-6513
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)