Protecting Indiana Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Indiana seniors are not immune. In 2025, 224 older adults in Indiana 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 Indiana Seniors Are Targeted
Indiana’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Midwestern trust: Indiana’s culture of Hoosier hospitality makes seniors more likely to engage with callers who sound friendly and authoritative
- Rural communities: Much of Indiana outside Indianapolis is rural, with limited access to in-person tech support and consumer protection offices
- Manufacturing retirees: Indiana’s large base of manufacturing retirees often have pension savings that make them attractive targets for investment scams
- Aging population: Indiana’s 65-and-over population is growing steadily, with over 1 million residents now in this age group
- Limited broadband: Many rural Indiana counties still lack reliable high-speed internet, meaning seniors have less exposure to online fraud awareness
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Indiana (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 57 | $732K | — |
| 2022 | 38 | $158K | -78% |
| 2023 | 50 | $337K | +114% |
| 2024 | 118 | $2.3M | +572% |
| 2025 | 224 | $10.9M | +382% |
| 5-Year Total | 487 | $14.4M | +1391% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Indiana residents aged 60 and older.
Indiana ranks #10 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $10.9 million lost in 2025 across 224 reported victims. That represents 2.6% of all U.S. government impersonation scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +382% — significantly faster than the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Indiana grew +1391%.
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 Indiana
- Office of the Indiana Attorney General: (317) 232-6201 | in.gov/attorneygeneral
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Indiana Adult Protective Services: (800) 992-6978
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)