New FTC Report: What Older Americans and Their Families Need to Know About Fraud Right Now
The Federal Trade Commission just released its latest report on fraud against Americans 60 and older. The numbers are sobering, and so is the picture they paint. Here’s what it says, in plain language, and what you can do today.
At Opt-Inspire, we train on the latest threats, so when new data comes from a trusted government source, we pay attention. The FTC’s new report, Protecting Older Consumers 2025–2026, is exactly that.
We’ll be updating our training materials to reflect these findings, so the seniors and families we serve have the most current information.
The headline numbers
More than $3 billion in fraud losses were reported by adults 60 and older in 2025. The FTC says the real total is likely many times higher, because most fraud goes unreported.
Investment scams are the biggest and fastest-growing problem, with reported losses up 42%, often starting on social media and involving fake cryptocurrency platforms.
Large losses do the most damage. Reports of losing more than $100,000 were just 6% of older adults’ reports but made up 70% of their total losses.
Where scams are coming from
Social media is where the most losses and loss reports start.
Phone calls cause the most costly individual losses. The median loss from a phone-call scam was $3,000, compared with $599 for scams that began on social media.
Text scams are growing, with losses up 61%.
The scams to watch most closely
Investment and cryptocurrency scams: fake platforms and “can’t-lose” opportunities
Government impersonation: callers claiming to be from a government agency, such as one about “back taxes”
Business and bank impersonation: someone posing as your bank’s fraud team
Tech support scams: older adults were over four times (324%) more likely than younger people to report losing money to these
Romance scams: older adults were 48% more likely to report a loss, and these were often among the six-figure losses
What to do: simple, practical steps
Hang up on unexpected calls, especially anyone claiming you owe money or that your account is in danger. Call back using a number you find yourself.
Never move money to “protect it.” Real banks and government agencies will not ask you to.
Be wary of secrecy. If someone tells you to keep a payment secret from family, that’s a red flag.
Treat these payment methods as warning signs: gift cards, cryptocurrency, and wire or bank transfers to someone you haven’t met in person.
Never give remote access to your computer to someone who contacted you.
Talk before you pay. Check with a family member, friend, or your bank before sending money to anyone new.
If someone has been scammed
Act quickly: contact your bank, stop all contact with the scammer, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reporting helps others, and there’s no shame in it. Anyone can be a target.
What we’re doing next
Our team is reviewing the report and updating our training materials accordingly, especially on investment and crypto scams, impersonation scams, and the phone, text, and social media routes scammers use. Volunteers and families will get the updated information.
Want us to share this with your community, family, or workplace? Invite us to present, or volunteer to help spread the word.
Source: Federal Trade Commission, Protecting Older Consumers 2025–2026, October 19, 2026.
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