Protecting Wisconsin Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and Wisconsin is no exception. In 2025, 221 Wisconsin seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $92.0 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why Wisconsin Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to Wisconsin put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- 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
What This Scam Looks Like
Investment scams targeting seniors often start with a friendly message on social media or a dating app, then gradually steer the conversation toward a “guaranteed” investment opportunity. Victims are directed to professional-looking but entirely fake trading platforms that show fabricated returns, encouraging them to invest more before the scammer disappears with everything.
5-Year Trend: Investment Scam Losses in Wisconsin (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 21 | $1.2M | — |
| 2022 | 28 | $6.2M | +396% |
| 2023 | 58 | $9.5M | +54% |
| 2024 | 112 | $15.9M | +68% |
| 2025 | 221 | $43.6M | +175% |
| 5-Year Total | 440 | $76.3M | +3413% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Wisconsin residents aged 60 and older.
Wisconsin ranks #20 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $43.6 million lost in 2025 across 221 reported victims. That represents 1.3% of all U.S. investment scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +175% — significantly faster than the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in Wisconsin grew +3413%.
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 Wisconsin
- Office of the Wisconsin Attorney General: (608) 266-1221 | doj.state.wi.us
- 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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