Protecting Missouri Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Missouri seniors are not immune. In 2025, 211 older adults in Missouri 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 Missouri Seniors Are Targeted
Missouri’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Urban-rural divide: While Kansas City and St. Louis have resources, much of rural Missouri lacks in-person tech support and consumer protection services
- Midwestern trust: Missouri’s “Show-Me” state culture paradoxically includes strong community trust that scammers exploit
- Large retiree population: Missouri’s affordable cost of living attracts retirees, concentrating seniors that scammers target
- Military communities: Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Force Base bring military retirees targeted by VA impersonation scams
- River community isolation: Communities along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers face geographic isolation that limits access to services
What This Scam Looks Like
Government impersonation scammers create panic by claiming you owe back taxes, your Social Security number has been compromised, or there is a warrant for your arrest. They spoof official phone numbers and may even send fake documents. The goal is always to pressure you into immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency before you have time to verify their claims.
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Missouri (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 45 | $58K | — |
| 2022 | 39 | $1.1M | +1839% |
| 2023 | 61 | $945K | -16% |
| 2024 | 131 | $4.4M | +362% |
| 2025 | 211 | $3.6M | -18% |
| 5-Year Total | 487 | $10.1M | +6030% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Missouri residents aged 60 and older.
Missouri ranks #23 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $3.6 million lost in 2025 across 211 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -18%, outperforming the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Missouri grew +6030%.
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 Missouri
- Office of the Missouri Attorney General: (573) 751-3321 | ago.mo.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Missouri Adult Protective Services: (800) 392-0210
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)