Internet Crime in United States

United States

Older adults are frequent victims of fraud for multiple reasons, including having higher average net worth and being vulnerable due to age-related cognitive decline.

The most common internet scams affecting older adults in 2023 were tech support, personal data breach and emotional manipulation. That same year, victims age 60 and older in the United States cumulatively lost more than $3.4 billion to internet fraud and more than 5,900 adults were recorded to have lost more than $100,000. These numbers are likely an undercount, as only half of internet fraud reports include age data, and older adults may furthermore be less likely to report fraud in the first place. 

Fraudulent activities often inflict significant financial losses on older adults, in addition to negative emotional responses like depression, anxiety, self-blame and shame. Fear of being scammed can lead to social isolation as older adults withdraw from online activities that connect them with loved ones.

The prevalence of internet victim complaints is higher among:

• Older adults who have difficulty with cognition or other disabilities compared with those without a disability
• Older adults living in lower income households compared with those living in higher income households.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers consumer advice on how to spot common scams and protect yourself from fraud. For Older Americans Awareness Month, recognized each May, the FTC compiled a helpful collection of informational resources. The AARP maintains a Fraud Watch Network Program with information on scams and support for older adult victims, and the National Council on Aging provides cyber security tips for seniors to learn how to improve internet safety and avoid being scammed. 

Additionally, the FBI lists several tips for older adults to protect themselves online, including:

• Being cautious of unsolicited phone calls or other forms of communication.
• Searching online for more information on offers or communications from unknown sources. Often, others have already posted about their experiences with a scammer, and an internet search can help verify contact information or reveal fraudulent activity.
• Resisting the pressure to act quickly. Creating a sense of urgency is a common tactic scammers use to trick people into believing they don’t have time to act carefully or do background research.
• Not sending out personally identifiable information or valuables to unverified people or businesses. 

The Office for Victims of Crime, a division of the U.S. Department of Justice, provides more information on common scams and warning signs to educate individuals on internet crime. This office also hosts the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).

Aladangady, Aditya, Jesse Bricker, Andrew C. Chang, Sarena Goodman, Jacob Krimmel, Kevin B. Moore, Sarah Reber, Alice Henriques Volz, and Richard A. Windle. “Changes in U.S. Family Finances from 2019 to 2022: Evidence from the Survey of Consumer Finances.” Washington, D.C.: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, October 2023. https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/scf23.pdf.

Internet Crime Complaint Center. “2023 Elder Fraud Report.” U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, April 30, 2024. https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2023_IC3ElderFraudReport.pdf.

Shang, Yuxi, Zhongxian Wu, Xiaoyu Du, Yanbin Jiang, Beibei Ma, and Meihong Chi. “The Psychology of the Internet Fraud Victimization of Older Adults: A Systematic Review.” Frontiers in Psychology 13 (September 5, 2022): 912242. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.912242.

Spreng, R. Nathan, Natalie C. Ebner, Bonnie E. Levin, and Gary R. Turner. “Aging and Financial Exploitation Risk.” In Aging and Money, edited by Ronan M. Factora, 2nd ed., 55–73. Cham: Springer Press, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-67565-3_5.