Protecting Ohio Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Ohio seniors are not immune. In 2025, 293 older adults in Ohio 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 Ohio Seniors Are Targeted
Ohio’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Large senior population: Ohio has over 2 million residents aged 65+, ranking 7th nationally and creating a massive target pool for scammers
- Rust Belt economics: Decades of economic transition in many Ohio communities mean seniors may have limited savings and be more vulnerable to financial promises
- Rural Appalachian areas: Southeast Ohio’s Appalachian region faces extreme isolation, poverty, and limited broadband access
- Midwestern trust: Ohio’s friendly culture means seniors are more likely to engage with callers who sound helpful and authoritative
- Manufacturing retirees: Ohio’s large base of manufacturing and auto industry retirees have pension savings that scammers target
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Ohio (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 93 | $772K | — |
| 2022 | 93 | $3.7M | +375% |
| 2023 | 90 | $2.7M | -26% |
| 2024 | 214 | $9.6M | +252% |
| 2025 | 293 | $7.9M | -18% |
| 5-Year Total | 783 | $24.6M | +920% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Ohio residents aged 60 and older.
Ohio ranks #15 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $7.9 million lost in 2025 across 293 reported victims. That represents 1.8% of all U.S. government impersonation scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed -18%, outperforming the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Ohio grew +920%.
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 Ohio
- Office of the Ohio Attorney General: (614) 466-4320 | ohioattorneygeneral.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Ohio Adult Protective Services: (855) 642-4453
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)