Protecting New Jersey Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and New Jersey seniors are not immune. In 2025, 270 older adults in New Jersey 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 New Jersey Seniors Are Targeted
New Jersey’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Highest losses: New Jersey’s $249.8 million in elder fraud losses ranks among the highest in the nation, reflecting its wealthy senior population
- Dense population: As the most densely populated state, New Jersey seniors face a high volume of phone scams and unsolicited contacts
- Financial hub: Proximity to New York City and Wall Street makes investment scams sound more credible to New Jersey seniors
- Diverse communities: New Jersey’s diverse senior population includes immigrants targeted with language-specific scams
- High cost of living: New Jersey’s expensive cost of living creates financial pressure on seniors, making promises of returns more tempting
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in New Jersey (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 77 | $665K | — |
| 2022 | 93 | $5.3M | +694% |
| 2023 | 73 | $8.3M | +57% |
| 2024 | 127 | $3.9M | -53% |
| 2025 | 270 | $10.2M | +160% |
| 5-Year Total | 640 | $28.3M | +1428% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for New Jersey residents aged 60 and older.
New Jersey ranks #12 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $10.2 million lost in 2025 across 270 reported victims. That represents 2.4% of all U.S. government impersonation scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +160% — significantly faster than the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in New Jersey grew +1428%.
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 New Jersey
- Office of the New Jersey Attorney General: (609) 292-8740 | nj.gov/oag
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- New Jersey Adult Protective Services: (877) 222-3737
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)