Protecting Wisconsin Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Wisconsin seniors are not immune. In 2025, 166 older adults in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Seniors Are Targeted
Wisconsin’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Midwestern trust: Wisconsin’s friendly, community-oriented culture means seniors are more likely to engage with and trust unknown callers
- Rural northern regions: Northern Wisconsin is deeply rural and isolated, with limited access to broadband and in-person services
- Manufacturing retirees: Wisconsin’s manufacturing and dairy industry retirees often have pension savings that scammers target
- Harsh winters: Wisconsin’s long, cold winters keep seniors homebound for months, increasing exposure to phone and online scams
- Aging demographics: Wisconsin’s senior population is growing rapidly, with the 65+ age group being the fastest-growing demographic
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Wisconsin (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 44 | $2.2M | — |
| 2022 | 41 | $172K | -92% |
| 2023 | 37 | $995K | +478% |
| 2024 | 80 | $3.5M | +252% |
| 2025 | 166 | $4.4M | +26% |
| 5-Year Total | 368 | $11.3M | +99% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Wisconsin residents aged 60 and older.
Wisconsin ranks #21 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $4.4 million lost in 2025 across 166 reported victims. That represents 1.0% of all U.S. government impersonation scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +26%, outperforming the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Wisconsin grew +99%.
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 Wisconsin
- Office of the Wisconsin Attorney General: (608) 266-1221 | doj.state.wi.us
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Wisconsin Adult Protective Services: (608) 266-2536
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)