Protecting Massachusetts Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Massachusetts seniors are not immune. In 2025, 205 older adults in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Seniors Are Targeted
Massachusetts’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Wealthy retirees: Massachusetts has one of the highest concentrations of wealth per capita, making its seniors attractive targets for investment and financial fraud
- Aging population: Massachusetts has a rapidly growing population over 65, with New England traditionally having older demographics than the national average
- Healthcare hub: As a major medical center, Massachusetts seniors may be targeted by scammers impersonating hospitals, insurance companies, or Medicare
- University town trust: Massachusetts’s educated population may feel “too smart” to be scammed, which itself creates vulnerability — scammers exploit overconfidence
- Cold winters: Long New England winters keep seniors indoors and online, increasing exposure to digital scams and phone fraud
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Massachusetts (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 59 | $229K | — |
| 2022 | 50 | $686K | +200% |
| 2023 | 86 | $1.7M | +152% |
| 2024 | 120 | $2.8M | +64% |
| 2025 | 205 | $2.7M | -4% |
| 5-Year Total | 520 | $8.2M | +1094% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Massachusetts residents aged 60 and older.
Massachusetts ranks #25 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $2.7 million lost in 2025 across 205 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -4%, outperforming the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Massachusetts grew +1094%.
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 Massachusetts
- Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General: (617) 727-2200 | mass.gov/ago
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Massachusetts Adult Protective Services: (800) 922-2275
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)