Protecting Indiana Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and Indiana is no exception. In 2025, 190 Indiana seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $81.5 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why Indiana Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to Indiana put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- 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
What This Scam Looks Like
Investment scams targeting seniors often start with a friendly message on social media or a dating app, then gradually steer the conversation toward a “guaranteed” investment opportunity. Victims are directed to professional-looking but entirely fake trading platforms that show fabricated returns, encouraging them to invest more before the scammer disappears with everything.
5-Year Trend: Investment Scam Losses in Indiana (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 16 | $757K | — |
| 2022 | 31 | $6.8M | +797% |
| 2023 | 61 | $11.9M | +76% |
| 2024 | 107 | $10.6M | -11% |
| 2025 | 190 | $18.1M | +71% |
| 5-Year Total | 405 | $48.1M | +2292% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Indiana residents aged 60 and older.
Indiana ranks #34 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $18.1 million lost in 2025 across 190 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed +71%, outperforming the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in Indiana grew +2292%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Investment Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Investment Fraud in Indiana
- Office of the Indiana Attorney General: (317) 232-6201 | in.gov/attorneygeneral
- SEC: sec.gov/tcr
- FINRA: (844) 574-3577 | brokercheck.finra.org
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from investment scams:
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