Protecting Louisiana Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Louisiana seniors are not immune. In 2025, 128 older adults in Louisiana 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 Louisiana Seniors Are Targeted
Louisiana’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- High poverty rate: Louisiana has one of the highest overall poverty rates in the nation, with many seniors living on limited fixed incomes
- Rural isolation: Much of Louisiana outside New Orleans and Baton Rouge is deeply rural, with limited access to in-person tech support and financial services
- Southern trust culture: Louisiana’s warm, community-oriented culture means seniors are more likely to trust callers who sound friendly and helpful
- Natural disaster vulnerability: Seniors affected by hurricanes and flooding are targeted by scammers posing as FEMA, insurance companies, or government relief agencies
- Limited broadband: Many rural Louisiana parishes lack reliable internet, reducing seniors’ exposure to online fraud awareness resources
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Louisiana (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 23 | $1.5M | — |
| 2022 | 26 | $400K | -73% |
| 2023 | 36 | $958K | +140% |
| 2024 | 64 | $1.1M | +17% |
| 2025 | 128 | $363K | -68% |
| 5-Year Total | 277 | $4.3M | -76% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Louisiana residents aged 60 and older.
Louisiana ranks #47 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $363,341 lost in 2025 across 128 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -68%, outperforming the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Louisiana grew -76%.
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 Louisiana
- Office of the Louisiana Attorney General: (225) 326-6000 | ag.louisiana.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Louisiana Adult Protective Services: (800) 898-4910
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)