Protecting Utah Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Utah seniors are not immune. In 2025, 98 older adults in Utah 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 Utah Seniors Are Targeted
Utah’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Affinity fraud capital: Utah has historically been called the “affinity fraud capital” due to scammers exploiting tight-knit religious and community networks
- Trust culture: Utah’s strong community bonds and culture of trust make seniors particularly vulnerable to scams from people who appear to share their values
- Growing senior population: Utah’s 65-and-over population is growing rapidly as retirees are attracted by the state’s natural beauty and low crime
- Rural western areas: Much of southern and western Utah is extremely rural with limited access to services and broadband
- Multi-level marketing culture: Utah’s history with MLM companies can blur the line between legitimate and fraudulent investment opportunities for seniors
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Utah (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 24 | $327K | — |
| 2022 | 32 | $241K | -26% |
| 2023 | 29 | $1.1M | +373% |
| 2024 | 99 | $4.7M | +314% |
| 2025 | 98 | $2.3M | -52% |
| 5-Year Total | 282 | $8.7M | +595% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Utah residents aged 60 and older.
Utah ranks #30 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $2.3 million lost in 2025 across 98 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -52%, outperforming the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Utah grew +595%.
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 Utah
- Office of the Utah Attorney General: (801) 538-9600 | attorneygeneral.utah.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Utah Adult Protective Services: (800) 371-7897
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)