Reported fraud losses by older Americans hit $3 billion in 2025

The FTC's annual report to Congress says reported losses by adults 60 and over rose about fivefold in five years, from roughly $600 million in 2020 to about $3 billion in 2025. Investment scam losses alone jumped 42 percent to more than $1 billion, and the FTC estimates the true cost of fraud against older adults last year could be as high as $119.5 billion.

What to do: Have the money conversation with your parents this week. Ask whether anyone has pitched them an investment online or asked them to move money.

Source: FTC, Oct 19

This story was part of The Fraud Briefing's Top 5 for the week of October 19, 2026. Get it in your inbox every week: subscribe here. Watch the 20-second version on YouTube at @thefraudbriefing.