Protecting Michigan Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Michigan seniors are not immune. In 2025, 272 older adults in Michigan 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 Michigan Seniors Are Targeted
Michigan’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Large senior population: Michigan has over 1.8 million residents aged 65 and older, ranking among the top 10 states for senior population
- Auto industry retirees: Michigan’s large base of auto industry retirees often have pension and retirement savings that make them prime targets for investment scams
- Rural Upper Peninsula: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is extremely rural and isolated, with seniors facing limited access to in-person support services
- Harsh winters: Long Michigan winters, especially in the northern regions, keep seniors homebound and more exposed to phone and online scams
- Economic hardship: Decades of economic challenges in parts of Michigan mean many seniors live on tight budgets, making them more vulnerable to financial promises
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Michigan (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 72 | $67K | — |
| 2022 | 97 | $1.0M | +1470% |
| 2023 | 80 | $1.6M | +54% |
| 2024 | 155 | $5.7M | +254% |
| 2025 | 272 | $11.5M | +102% |
| 5-Year Total | 676 | $19.9M | +17148% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Michigan residents aged 60 and older.
Michigan ranks #8 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $11.5 million lost in 2025 across 272 reported victims. That represents 2.7% of all U.S. government impersonation scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +102% (national average: +95%). Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Michigan grew +17148%.
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 Michigan
- Office of the Michigan Attorney General: (517) 373-1110 | michigan.gov/ag
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Michigan Adult Protective Services: (855) 444-3911
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)