Senior Scam Prevention & Fraud Resources in Arizona
I. Overview: Arizona’s Senior Population & Key Cities
Arizona has become one of the most popular retirement destinations in the United States, with a total population of approximately 7.5 million as of 2024. Of that number, around 1.4 million residents are aged 65 and older, making up 18.7% of the state’s population — one of the highest senior percentages nationwide.
This aging population is particularly concentrated in cities and retirement communities across the state. The top three cities by population — all with substantial older adult populations — are:
- Phoenix (approx. 1.7 million people)
- Tucson (approx. 550,000 people)
- Mesa (approx. 520,000 people)
These cities are home to hundreds of thousands of seniors and have seen a rise in cyber fraud reports targeting older adults through investment scams, romance schemes, and phishing attacks posing as Medicare or tech support services.
II. 2024 Victim Report: How Scammers Targeted Arizona Seniors
In 2024, Arizona had 6,683 victims aged 60+ who reported losses totaling $190,686,835.
Loss by Crime Type
| Crime Type | Loss Amount |
| Investment | $68,021,190 |
| Tech Support | $19,867,457 |
| Government Impersonation | $5,604,144 |
| Confidence/Romance | $30,891,882 |
III. Emergency & Official Contacts
Local Police Departments – Elder Fraud Reporting
1. Phoenix Police Department – Financial Crimes Unit
- Phone: (602) 262-6151 (non-emergency)
- Website: www.phoenix.gov/police
- Tip: Request to speak with the Financial Crimes or Elder Fraud division.
2. Tucson Police Department – Fraud Investigations
- Phone: (520) 791-4444 (non-emergency)
- Website: www.tucsonaz.gov/police
- Ask for “Economic Crimes” or “Elder Financial Exploitation” services.
3. Mesa Police Department – Crimes Against Seniors Program
- Phone: (480) 644-2211 (non-emergency)
- Website: www.mesaazpolice.gov
- Specialized programs for elder safety and scam prevention.
FBI & Federal Reporting Resources
FBI Phoenix Field Office
- Phone: (623) 466-1999
- Website: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/phoenix
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- Website: www.ic3.gov
- Report elder scams, identity theft, and online financial fraud.
Arizona Attorney General – Elder Protection Division
Office of the Arizona Attorney General – Senior Fraud Division
- Consumer Protection Hotline: (602) 542-5763
- Toll-Free: (800) 352-8431
- Website: www.azag.gov/seniors
This division offers:
- Scam alerts and prevention tips
- Fraud investigation referrals
- Victim advocacy services and legal support
Additional Statewide Elder Fraud Resources
Arizona Adult Protective Services (APS)
- 24/7 Abuse & Exploitation Hotline: (877) 767-2385
- Website: des.az.gov/services/aging-and-adult
Arizona Attorney General’s Senior Fraud Task Force – Report Form
- Online Reporting: www.azag.gov/complaints
- Tip: File complaints for scams, deceptive calls, and fraudulent services.
Area Agency on Aging, Region One (Maricopa County)
- 24/7 Senior Help Line: (602) 264-HELP (4357)
- Website: www.aaaphx.org
Arizona Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
- Phone: (800) 432-4040
- Website: www.smpresource.org
Take Action, Stay Protected
- Don’t wait — report fraud attempts even if you didn’t lose money.
- Save these contacts or share them with older loved ones.
- Visit our Learning Center to understand how scammers operate, and how to defend against them.
- Arizona’s seniors lose millions of dollars every year to online fraud, but knowledge and action save lives and livelihoods.
Share Your Story
Have you or a loved one experienced a scam, or stopped one just in time? Your story could help protect someone else.
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