Elder fraud losses reported to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center hit $4.8 billion in 2024, the highest annual total ever recorded for victims aged 60 and older. Reported losses climbed 55% in two years from $3.1 billion in 2022 to $3.4 billion in 2023. Seniors remain disproportionately harmed: they are 17% of the U.S. population but account for about 29% of IC3-reported dollar losses. If you are recovering from an AI-assisted scam, start with our guide on how to report an AI scam.
These reported losses understate the problem. AARP estimates total elder fraud losses may exceed $28 billion annually, once unreported incidents are included. The gap between the FBI IC3 figure and that estimate reflects shame, confusion, and weak reporting. Seniors lose nearly double the under-60 average, which makes recovery slower and financial harm deeper. Older adults facing AI phone impersonation or voice cloning often do not know where to turn. See our guidance on AI phone scam impersonation and how to get money back after an AI scam.
The costliest fraud types show a clear pattern. Tech support fraud recorded 17,696 complaints and $590 million in senior losses in 2023. Romance and government impersonation scams caused hundreds of millions more. These methods often use pressure, isolation, and trust. The AARP Fraud Watch Network offers peer support for victims. Recovery also involves emotional care, not just money. Our guide on emotional recovery after an AI scam and best identity protection after an AI scam can help.
Reported Elder Fraud Losses and Complaints
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $4.8 billion | Total losses reported to FBI IC3 by victims aged 60+ in 2024, the highest elder fraud loss ever recorded | FBI IC3 Internet Crime Report, 2024 |
| $3.4 billion | Losses reported to FBI IC3 by victims aged 60+ in 2023 | FBI IC3, 2023 |
| $3.1 billion | Losses reported to FBI IC3 by victims aged 60+ in 2022 | FBI IC3, 2022 |
| 55% | Rise in reported elder fraud losses from 2022 to 2023 | FBI IC3, 2022-2023 |
| 101,068 | Complaints filed by seniors aged 60+ with IC3 in 2023 | FBI IC3 Elder Fraud Report, 2023 |
| $28 billion+ | AARP estimate of total annual U.S. elder fraud losses including unreported incidents | AARP Public Policy Institute, 2024 |
Per-Victim Losses and Disproportionate Harm
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $33,915 | Average per-victim loss among seniors reporting to FBI IC3 in 2023 | FBI IC3 Elder Fraud Report, 2023 |
| $18,200 | Average per-victim loss among victims under 60 reporting to FBI IC3 in 2023 | FBI IC3 Elder Fraud Report, 2023 |
| Nearly 2x | Senior average per-victim loss compared with under-60 average in 2023 | FBI IC3 Elder Fraud Report, 2023 |
| 29% | Share of all IC3-reported dollar losses attributed to seniors aged 60+ | FBI IC3, 2023 |
| 17% | Share of U.S. population aged 60+ | U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 |
Costliest Fraud Types Against Seniors
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tech support fraud | 17,696 complaints and $590 million in losses from victims 60+ in 2023 | FBI IC3 Elder Fraud Report, 2023 |
| Confidence/romance fraud | $358 million in losses from seniors in 2023 | FBI IC3 Elder Fraud Report, 2023 |
| Government impersonation scams | $413 million lost by victims 70+ in 2023 | FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, 2023 |
AI-Assisted Scam Exposure Among Older Adults
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in 4 | Adults aged 55+ who have been targeted by an AI-assisted scam | AARP, 2024 |
| 12% | Targeted adults aged 55+ who lost money to an AI-assisted scam | AARP, 2024 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total reported loss from elder fraud in the latest FBI data?
Victims aged 60+ reported $4.8 billion in losses to the FBI IC3 in 2024. That is the highest annual total ever recorded for this group. Reported losses were $3.4 billion in 2023 and $3.1 billion in 2022, a 55% rise in two years.
How much does the average senior lose in a fraud incident?
The average loss per senior victim reporting to FBI IC3 in 2023 was $33,915. That is nearly double the $18,200 average for victims under 60. Higher per-victim losses can make financial recovery harder.
Which fraud types cost seniors the most?
Tech support fraud generated $590 million in losses from victims 60+ in 2023. Confidence/romance fraud caused $358 million in senior losses. Government impersonation scams cost victims 70+ $413 million in 2023.
Are older adults being targeted by AI-assisted scams?
Yes. AARP found that 1 in 4 adults aged 55+ have been targeted by an AI-assisted scam. Among those targeted, 12% lost money. AI voice cloning and impersonation make these scams more convincing.
Why do reported losses likely undercount the real problem?
Many victims do not report fraud because of shame, fear, or uncertainty about where to file. AARP estimates total elder fraud losses, including unreported incidents, may exceed $28 billion annually. That is much higher than the $4.8 billion reported to IC3 in 2024.
What should I do if I suspect elder fraud or an AI scam?
Stop contact with the scammer and save all messages, receipts, and account details. Report the incident to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. Ask a trusted family member or a fraud recovery specialist for help.
