Protecting Tennessee Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and Tennessee is no exception. In 2025, 268 Tennessee seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $108.3 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why Tennessee Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to Tennessee put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- 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
5-Year Trend: Investment Scam Losses in Tennessee (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 25 | $897K | — |
| 2022 | 59 | $5.6M | +527% |
| 2023 | 87 | $14.9M | +166% |
| 2024 | 165 | $17.1M | +15% |
| 2025 | 268 | $51.7M | +202% |
| 5-Year Total | 604 | $90.2M | +5656% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Tennessee residents aged 60 and older.
Tennessee ranks #17 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $51.7 million lost in 2025 across 268 reported victims. That represents 1.5% of all U.S. investment scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +202% — significantly faster than the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in Tennessee grew +5656%.
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 Tennessee
- Office of the Tennessee Attorney General: (615) 741-3491 | tn.gov/attorneygeneral
- 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:
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