Protecting Nevada Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and Nevada is no exception. In 2025, 328 Nevada seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $115.3 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why Nevada Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to Nevada put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- Retirement destination: Nevada is a top retirement state with no state income tax, concentrating wealthy retirees that scammers actively target
- Entertainment culture: Las Vegas’s gambling culture can make seniors more comfortable with risk-taking, which scammers exploit with investment schemes
- Transient population: Nevada’s high turnover rate means many seniors live far from family and long-time friends, increasing isolation
- Desert isolation: Outside Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada is extremely rural and isolated, with seniors hours from the nearest services
- Rapid growth: Nevada’s booming senior population is outpacing fraud prevention and elder protection resources
What This Scam Looks Like
Investment scams targeting seniors often start with a friendly message on social media or a dating app, then gradually steer the conversation toward a “guaranteed” investment opportunity. Victims are directed to professional-looking but entirely fake trading platforms that show fabricated returns, encouraging them to invest more before the scammer disappears with everything.
5-Year Trend: Investment Scam Losses in Nevada (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 32 | $13.6M | — |
| 2022 | 73 | $12.6M | -7% |
| 2023 | 84 | $19.7M | +57% |
| 2024 | 162 | $41.0M | +108% |
| 2025 | 328 | $48.3M | +18% |
| 5-Year Total | 679 | $135.1M | +256% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Nevada residents aged 60 and older.
Nevada ranks #19 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $48.3 million lost in 2025 across 328 reported victims. That represents 1.4% of all U.S. investment scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +18%, outperforming the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in Nevada grew +256%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Investment Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Investment Fraud in Nevada
- Office of the Nevada Attorney General: (775) 684-1100 | ag.nv.gov
- SEC: sec.gov/tcr
- FINRA: (844) 574-3577 | brokercheck.finra.org
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from investment scams:
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