Protecting Texas Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and Texas is no exception. In 2025, 1,525 Texas seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $678.6 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why Texas Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to Texas put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- Massive senior population: Texas has over 3.8 million residents 65+, the second-largest senior population in the U.S., creating an enormous target pool
- Oil and energy wealth: Texas retirees from the oil, gas, and energy sectors often have substantial retirement savings that attract investment scammers
- Border community targeting: Seniors along the Texas-Mexico border face bilingual scams exploiting immigration fears and cross-border family ties
- Rural isolation: Much of West and Central Texas is deeply rural, with seniors hours from the nearest consumer protection office or tech support
- Military retiree concentration: Major bases like Fort Cavazos and Joint Base San Antonio bring military retirees targeted by VA and benefits impersonation scams
5-Year Trend: Investment Scam Losses in Texas (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 150 | $18.7M | — |
| 2022 | 351 | $90.2M | +382% |
| 2023 | 502 | $104.3M | +16% |
| 2024 | 871 | $308.4M | +196% |
| 2025 | 1,525 | $336.8M | +9% |
| 5-Year Total | 3,399 | $858.4M | +1701% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Texas residents aged 60 and older.
Texas ranks #2 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $336.8 million lost in 2025 across 1,525 reported victims. That represents 9.9% of all U.S. investment scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +9%, outperforming the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in Texas grew +1701%.
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 Texas
- Office of the Texas Attorney General: (512) 463-2100 | texasattorneygeneral.gov
- SEC: sec.gov/tcr
- FINRA: (844) 574-3577 | brokercheck.finra.org
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
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