Retirees in This State Are More Likely To Become Victims of Online Scams
Online scams have become more common over the years as people have grown more comfortable with technology. And it sounds like retirees are becoming especially susceptible to online scams, with some seniors saying they've been swindled out of their life savings.
However, after analyzing FBI data, one group says that there's a single state where retirees seem most vulnerable to these crimes, and unfortunately, it's a very popular spot for people to head in their golden years. Keep reading to learn which state it is, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Arizona Ranks at the Top of the List in Senior Fraud Cases
A new study from Protect My Data shows that seniors in Arizona are being hit by online scammers more than in any other state. The ranking was established after the firm analyzed FBI data from 2024 and 2025, using the number of crimes per 100,000 people living in each state. In the end, the study showed that more than 500 seniors per 100,000 had reported cybercrimes.
Not only that, but seniors are reporting that they've been tricked out of their money at an alarming rate, with $4,549,665 in reported losses from 2025 alone.
"Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting seniors because they often rely on trust, urgency-based communication, and digital tools that can feel unfamiliar or overwhelming," Peter Nguyen, a privacy expert at Protect My Data, said about the study in an email to Parade, where the complete data list was shared. "What we are seeing in the data is not just a rise in attacks, but a rise in sophistication. Scams are becoming harder to spot, even for cautious users."
Other States Report High Senior Crime Rates
Arizonians may be experiencing these crimes at a higher rate, but they aren't alone. According to the study, several other states topped the list, including:
- Utah with $17,531,120 in losses
- Nevada with $4,846,707 in losses
- Colorado with $15,813,357 in losses
- Maryland with $10,797,631 in losses
Related: Florida Retiree Loses $200K Thanks To Devastating Fake PayPal Scam
And while it doesn't seem like there's any rhyme or reason for why some states have higher crime rates than others, it definitely seems like seniors living in areas with high retirement populations should be especially careful about online scammers.
How to Protect Seniors from Online Scams
If you're wondering how to keep your online info and money safe, you may want to listen to AARP's advice. The publication says that most people obtain access to their data through phishing messages, which work by sending them a mysterious link hidden in an email or text message that appears to be from a real person or company. Once you click on it, these criminals can get into everything from your computers to your bank accounts, allowing them to sometimes drain your savings.
As such, you should never click on any links sent to you unsolicited, no matter who the sender is. Additionally, if you believe you may have received a legitimate link but aren't sure, contact the company or agency directly using a well-known link, such as the company's main website, or by calling their phone number.
Additionally, you should report any fraud or attempted fraud immediately. Often, embarrassment and shame can keep people from coming forward. However, alerting the police is often the only way to recover the money you've lost, making it an essential step in protecting yourself and your assets.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 7:50 AM.