Protecting Ohio Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and Ohio is no exception. In 2025, 408 Ohio seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $163.7 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why Ohio Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to Ohio put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- 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: Investment Scam Losses in Ohio (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 28 | $3.0M | — |
| 2022 | 83 | $8.5M | +186% |
| 2023 | 127 | $21.8M | +156% |
| 2024 | 256 | $32.0M | +47% |
| 2025 | 408 | $81.1M | +154% |
| 5-Year Total | 902 | $146.3M | +2632% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Ohio residents aged 60 and older.
Ohio ranks #12 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $81.1 million lost in 2025 across 408 reported victims. That represents 2.4% of all U.S. investment scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +154% — significantly faster than the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in Ohio grew +2632%.
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 Ohio
- Office of the Ohio Attorney General: (614) 466-4320 | ohioattorneygeneral.gov
- SEC: sec.gov/tcr
- FINRA: (844) 574-3577 | brokercheck.finra.org
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
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