Protecting New Jersey Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and New Jersey is no exception. In 2025, 465 New Jersey seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $249.8 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why New Jersey Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to New Jersey put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- 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: Investment Scam Losses in New Jersey (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 60 | $13.1M | — |
| 2022 | 158 | $38.8M | +197% |
| 2023 | 163 | $46.0M | +19% |
| 2024 | 286 | $66.0M | +44% |
| 2025 | 465 | $133.9M | +103% |
| 5-Year Total | 1,132 | $297.7M | +924% |
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 #6 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $133.9 million lost in 2025 across 465 reported victims. That represents 3.9% of all U.S. investment scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +103% — significantly faster than the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in New Jersey grew +924%.
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 New Jersey
- Office of the New Jersey Attorney General: (609) 292-8740 | nj.gov/oag
- SEC: sec.gov/tcr
- FINRA: (844) 574-3577 | brokercheck.finra.org
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
Free Training Available
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