Protecting Wyoming Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Wyoming seniors are not immune. In 2025, 24 older adults in Wyoming 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 Wyoming Seniors Are Targeted
Wyoming’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Least populated state: Wyoming is the least populated state in the nation, with many seniors living in extreme geographic isolation
- Energy wealth: Wyoming’s oil, gas, and coal industries have created retirees with substantial savings that investment scammers target
- Vast distances: Seniors in rural Wyoming may be hours from the nearest town, making in-person help nearly impossible to access
- Harsh winters: Wyoming’s severe winters and high altitude keep seniors homebound for extended periods, increasing scam exposure
- Independent culture: Wyoming’s fiercely independent culture means seniors may resist seeking help or admitting they’ve been scammed
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Wyoming (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 11 | $86K | — |
| 2022 | 4 | $234K | +173% |
| 2023 | 6 | $248K | +6% |
| 2024 | 15 | $39K | -84% |
| 2025 | 24 | $122K | +212% |
| 5-Year Total | 60 | $730K | +42% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Wyoming residents aged 60 and older.
Wyoming ranks #51 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $122,400 lost in 2025 across 24 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +212% — significantly faster than the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Wyoming grew +42%.
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 Wyoming
- Office of the Wyoming Attorney General: (307) 777-7841 | attorneygeneral.wyo.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Wyoming Adult Protective Services: (855) 803-8880
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)