Protecting Florida Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Florida seniors are not immune. In 2025, 1,016 older adults in Florida 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 Florida Seniors Are Targeted
Florida’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Retirement capital of the U.S.: Florida has the highest percentage of residents 65+ in the continental U.S., with entire communities of retirees concentrated in target-rich areas
- Transplant isolation: Many Florida seniors moved from other states, leaving behind family support networks that would normally catch scams early
- Hurricane and disaster scams: Florida’s annual hurricane season brings waves of scammers impersonating FEMA, contractors, and insurance companies after every storm
- Snowbird vulnerability: Part-time residents who split time between states may miss fraud alerts, bank notices, and mail-based scams at their Florida address
- Wealth concentration: Florida’s lack of state income tax attracts wealthy retirees, making the state a prime hunting ground for investment and financial fraud
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Florida (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 300 | $3.0M | — |
| 2022 | 271 | $8.1M | +173% |
| 2023 | 304 | $18.8M | +131% |
| 2024 | 560 | $8.2M | -56% |
| 2025 | 1,016 | $25.0M | +204% |
| 5-Year Total | 2,451 | $63.1M | +740% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Florida residents aged 60 and older.
Florida ranks #4 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $25.0 million lost in 2025 across 1,016 reported victims. That represents 5.8% of all U.S. government impersonation scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +204% — significantly faster than the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Florida grew +740%.
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 Florida
- Office of the Florida Attorney General: (850) 414-3300 | myfloridalegal.com
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Florida Adult Protective Services: (800) 962-2873
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)