Protecting Tennessee Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Tennessee seniors are not immune. In 2025, 201 older adults in Tennessee 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 Tennessee Seniors Are Targeted
Tennessee’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Growing retiree population: Tennessee is one of the top retirement destinations in the South, attracting seniors with no state income tax
- Appalachian isolation: East Tennessee’s Appalachian communities face extreme rural isolation with limited broadband and services
- Southern trust culture: Tennessee’s warm, hospitable culture makes seniors more likely to engage with callers who sound polite and helpful
- Music City scams: Nashville’s entertainment industry creates opportunities for scammers to push fake investment and talent-related schemes
- Military communities: Fort Campbell brings military retirees who are targeted by VA and military benefits impersonation scams
What This Scam Looks Like
Government impersonation scammers create panic by claiming you owe back taxes, your Social Security number has been compromised, or there is a warrant for your arrest. They spoof official phone numbers and may even send fake documents. The goal is always to pressure you into immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency before you have time to verify their claims.
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Tennessee (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 65 | $888K | — |
| 2022 | 67 | $1.5M | +65% |
| 2023 | 82 | $1.6M | +10% |
| 2024 | 170 | $7.7M | +381% |
| 2025 | 201 | $2.1M | -73% |
| 5-Year Total | 585 | $13.8M | +139% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Tennessee residents aged 60 and older.
Tennessee ranks #31 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $2.1 million lost in 2025 across 201 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -73%, outperforming the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Tennessee grew +139%.
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 Tennessee
- Office of the Tennessee Attorney General: (615) 741-3491 | tn.gov/attorneygeneral
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Tennessee Adult Protective Services: (888) 277-8366
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)