Virginia lost $100M in elder fraud cases last year, ranked 11th worst state according to FBI

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia lost over $100 million in elder fraud cases in 2024. According to the FBI, the commonwealth is ranked 11th among states that have lost the most in scams against older victims.

In a press release on Friday, June 13, the FBI detailed the increase in elder fraud ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Sunday, June 15.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) data, there was a 46% annual increase in elder fraud complaints and a 43% increase in losses across the country in 2024. There were 147,127 complaints last year, along with $4.885 billion in losses.

According to IC3, in Virginia, total losses were $106,575,141 for those 60 years and older, totaling 3,841 complaints in 2024. Virginia ranked 11th for overall losses in the nation.

“FBI Richmond is unwavering in its commitment to all Americans. Every scam we stop is a promise kept to the families and every case we investigate is a chance to bring justice for the victims. We will not let criminals target our most vulnerable, including the elderly, without consequences,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Farina.

In the press release, the FBI layed out steps people can take to protect their information:  

• Research the contact information of any unknown source that reaches out to you
• Don’t react impulsively
• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings and door-to-door service offers
• Do not give out any personally identifiable information to unverified people
• Take precautionary measures by contacting your financial institutions

If you believe you are a victim of fraud, call 1-800-CALL FBI or visit either IC3's website or the FBI's electronic tip form.