Protecting North Carolina Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and North Carolina is no exception. In 2025, 478 North Carolina seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $164.2 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why North Carolina Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to North Carolina put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- Top retirement destination: North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing retirement states, concentrating seniors that scammers target
- Mountain and coastal isolation: Seniors in the western mountains and rural eastern counties face limited access to services and tech support
- Military communities: Fort Liberty (formerly Bragg), Camp Lejeune, and other bases bring retirees targeted by military impersonation scams
- Southern trust culture: North Carolina’s culture of hospitality makes seniors more receptive to callers who sound friendly and helpful
- Research Triangle wealth: The Triangle area’s affluent retirees are prime targets for sophisticated investment scams
5-Year Trend: Investment Scam Losses in North Carolina (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 34 | $2.3M | — |
| 2022 | 98 | $13.5M | +491% |
| 2023 | 133 | $24.4M | +80% |
| 2024 | 263 | $33.0M | +35% |
| 2025 | 478 | $75.5M | +129% |
| 5-Year Total | 1,006 | $148.7M | +3195% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for North Carolina residents aged 60 and older.
North Carolina ranks #14 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $75.5 million lost in 2025 across 478 reported victims. That represents 2.2% of all U.S. investment scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +129% — significantly faster than the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in North Carolina grew +3195%.
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 North Carolina
- Office of the North Carolina Attorney General: (919) 716-6400 | ncdoj.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:
→ Start Investment Scam Awareness Training (Module 3)