Senior Scam Prevention & Fraud Resources in Minnesota

I. Overview: Minnesota’s Senior Population & Key Cities

State of Minnesota

As of 2024, Minnesota has a population of approximately 5.7 million, with over 1.1 million residents aged 65 and older, making up around 19.3% of the total population. With its aging population and rising digital engagement, Minnesota’s seniors are increasingly targeted by fraud schemes such as Medicare scams, phishing, tech support hoaxes, romance fraud, and government impersonation.

The top three cities in the state — where older adults are highly concentrated and scams are frequently reported — include:

  • Minneapolis (approx. 425,000 people)
  • St. Paul (approx. 310,000 people)
  • Rochester (approx. 125,000 people)

Seniors in urban and rural areas alike are vulnerable to scams that rely on urgency, emotional manipulation, and lack of digital literacy. Awareness, preparedness, and quick reporting are essential.

II. 2024 Victim Report: How Scammers Targeted Minnesota’s Seniors

In 2024, Minnesota had 1,836 victims aged 60+ who reported losses totaling $52,262,721.

Loss by Crime Type

Crime TypeLoss Amount
Investment$21,997,390
Tech Support$9,214,800
Government Impersonation$1,700,339
Romance$6,346,827

III. Emergency & Official Contacts

 Local Police Departments – Elder Fraud & Financial Crimes

1. Minneapolis Police Department – Financial Crimes Unit

  • Phone: (612) 673-5701 (non-emergency)
  • Website: www.minneapolismn.gov
  • Ask for the Financial Crimes Division to report elder scams or identity theft.

2. St. Paul Police Department – Fraud Investigations

  • Phone: (651) 291-1111 (non-emergency)
  • Website: www.stpaul.gov
  • Request assistance with financial fraud or elder abuse.

3. Rochester Police Department – Community Services Unit

  • Phone: (507) 328-6800 (non-emergency)
  • Website: www.rochestermn.gov
  • Ask for help reporting elder-targeted scams or financial exploitation.

 FBI & Federal Scam Reporting

FBI Minneapolis Field Office

  • Phone: (763) 569-8000
  • Website: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/minneapolis

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

  • Website: www.ic3.gov
  • Use to report online scams, phishing, fake tech support, and financial exploitation.

 Minnesota Attorney General – Elder Fraud & Consumer Protection

Minnesota Attorney General’s Office – Consumer Services

  • Consumer Assistance Line: (651) 296-3353 or (800) 657-3787
  • Website: www.ag.state.mn.us
  • Offers complaint forms, scam alerts, and resources specifically for elder fraud and abuse.

 Statewide Elder Services & Medicare Fraud Reporting

Minnesota Adult Protective Services (APS)

  • 24/7 Reporting Hotline: (844) 880-1574
  • Website: mn.gov/dhs
  • Investigates suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

Minnesota Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

  • Phone: (800) 333-2433
  • Website: www.smpresource.org
  • Helps detect and report Medicare billing fraud, healthcare scams, and identity theft.

Minnesota Board on Aging – Senior LinkAge Line

  • Toll-Free Line: (800) 333-2433
  • Website: mn.gov/board-on-aging
  • Connects seniors to legal help, financial protection, benefits, and scam prevention programs.

 Stay Aware. Act Quickly. Share Knowledge.

  • Minnesota seniors lose millions each year to preventable scams.
  • Save these contacts and share with loved ones, local organizations, or caregivers.
  • Visit our Education Center for practical guides, red flags, and reporting tools.
  • If something feels off — pause, verify, and report. You’re not alone.
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