Americans 60 and older filed over 200,000 complaints with the FBI in 2025, reporting $7.7 billion in losses-the highest total of any age group. The average loss for older victims was nearly $38,500.

Two decades of data breaches have exposed the personal information systems still use to verify identity: date of birth, address, and the last four digits of a Social Security number. Scammers exploit these fields to clear bank call centers or register Medicare accounts.

Why Seniors Are at Higher Risk

Older adults typically hold more financial, medical, and government accounts than younger people. Fraud reported by older victims who lost more than $100,000 jumped from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024.

AI voice cloning makes phone scams more convincing. The FBI counted $893 million in AI-related scam losses in 2025; victims 60 and over accounted for $352 million.

Critical Protections to Put in Place

Start with four free steps that take under 15 minutes each:

  • Freeze credit at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
  • Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN
  • Enroll in USPS Informed Delivery
  • Opt out of pre-screened credit offers

Claim Government Accounts First

Pre-register a my Social Security account at ssa.gov and a MyMedicare.gov account. Once created, no scammer can open them using a Social Security number.

Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts and use a password manager.

Create a Family Script for Phone Calls

Set a family code word that no AI model can guess from public audio. If a caller claiming to be a grandchild can't say it, the call ends.

Write down what real agencies never do: The Social Security Administration, IRS, and Medicare do not call asking for a full Social Security number, demand gift card payments, or threaten arrest. Tape the list near the phone.

If Fraud Happens

A signed financial power of attorney lets an adult child act immediately: pull credit reports, file at IdentityTheft.gov, place fraud alerts, and contact creditors.

Bottom Line

Protecting an older parent doesn't require a tech overhaul. Freeze credit, claim government accounts, set up an IRS PIN, and agree on a code word. These steps shorten the time between when fraud happens and when the family acts.