Protecting Yourself From Scams in 2026: What Older Adults and Families Need to Know

Scams targeting older adults continue to rise across the United States, with federal agencies reporting record‑high losses and increasingly sophisticated tactics. Many of these schemes are designed to pressure, confuse, or emotionally manipulate victims. Equites Private Intelligence (EPI) provides discreet, evidence‑driven support to help individuals and families understand what happened, document losses, and take protective steps. 

How Big the Problem Has Become

Federal data shows that fraud targeting adults aged 60 and older has grown sharply in recent years. The FTC reports that total losses among older adults increased from about $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024, driven largely by high‑dollar investment, romance, and impersonation scams. 

AARP’s 2025 analysis of FTC data shows the broader picture: Americans of all ages reported $12.5 billion stolen through scams in 2024, up from $10 billion the year before. Older adults lost the most, with victims in their 60s reporting $1.18 billion in losses. Median losses also rise with age—people in their 70s reported a median loss of $1,000, compared with $417 for people in their 20s. 

These numbers reflect only reported cases. Many older adults never report fraud due to embarrassment, fear of losing independence, or uncertainty about what happened.

The Scams Hitting Older Adults the Hardest

Federal reporting highlights several categories where older adults are disproportionately targeted:

• Investment scams — the most financially damaging, often involving fake cryptocurrency opportunities or fraudulent “advisors.” 

• Government impersonation scams — losses jumped from $171 million in 2023 to $789 million in 2024, with scammers posing as IRS, Social Security, or law‑enforcement officials. 

• Tech‑support scams — older adults reported $159 million in losses in 2024, often after being told their computer was infected. 

• Romance scams — long‑term manipulation schemes that drain savings and retirement accounts. 

• Prize, sweepstakes, and lottery scams — persistent contact designed to wear down victims and extract payments. 

These scams increasingly rely on text messages, social media, and phone calls—channels that make it easy for criminals to impersonate trusted institutions.

Warning Signs Families Should Watch For

Older adults often hesitate to tell family members when something feels wrong. Recognizing early indicators can prevent significant losses:

• Sudden secrecy about finances or online activity

• Unusual withdrawals, gift‑card purchases, or cryptocurrency transfers

• New “friends” or “advisors” who discourage outside involvement

• Repeated calls or messages from unfamiliar numbers

• Fearful or urgent language from someone claiming to be a government official

These signs don’t always mean fraud is occurring, but they warrant a closer look.

How Equites Private Intelligence (EPI) Helps Individuals and Families

EPI supports private citizens with discreet, intelligence‑driven investigative services designed to clarify what happened and protect vulnerable adults:

• Timeline reconstruction to determine how the scam began and what information was taken

• Digital and financial‑pattern analysis to identify fraudulent accounts, transactions, or impersonators

• Evidence‑ready reporting that can be shared with banks, law enforcement, or legal counsel

• OSINT and social‑media investigations to trace fake profiles or cross‑platform activity

• Supportive interviews conducted with clarity, patience, and respect for the victim’s dignity

Our role is to help families regain control, understand the scope of the fraud, and take steps to prevent further harm.

What to Expect in 2026

Several emerging trends are shaping the risk landscape:

• AI‑generated impersonation, including voice cloning used to mimic relatives

• Cryptocurrency‑based investment schemes targeting retirees seeking higher returns

• Hybrid scams that blend romance, investment, and tech‑support elements

• Cross‑border fraud networks using U.S.‑based intermediaries to move money

These developments make early detection and professional documentation more important than ever.