GoKawiilFTC: Adults Over 60 Lost $3 Billion to Fraud in 2025, Mostly Investment Scams
The Federal Trade Commission's annual report to Congress found that Americans aged 60 and older reported losing $3 billion to fraud in 2025, up from $600 million in 2020. Investment scams accounted for the largest share, with losses rising 42% to over $1 billion, often initiated through social media contact. The report also found that adults 80 and older had the highest median individual losses, at $2,000.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The sharp rise in reported losses suggests scammers are increasingly targeting older adults through digital channels like social media, where trust and unfamiliarity with platforms can be exploited. The FTC's response, including education campaigns and law enforcement coordination, indicates regulators view this as a growing and costly problem rather than a one-time spike.
- Older adults lost $3 billion to fraud in 2025, five times the amount reported in 2020.
- Investment scams were the costliest category, rising 42% to over $1 billion, often via social media.
- Adults 80 and older reported the highest median individual losses, prompting FTC education efforts like the 'Never Ever' campaign.
Source: cnet.com — Gael Cooper, 2026-10-20
Published there as: “Seniors Lose More Money to Investment Scams Than Any Other Fraud”
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