As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day approaches on June 15, the FBI Pittsburgh office is warning the public about a sharp rise in scams targeting older Americans.

The bureau is urging vigilance from seniors and their loved ones to help prevent devastating financial and emotional losses.

Elder fraud encompasses a range of schemes, including investment scams, romance frauds, fake tech support calls, and more.

In 2024 alone, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) logged 147,127 complaints resulting in $4.885 billion in losses—up 46% in complaints and 43% in losses from 2023.

Pennsylvania seniors lost over $151 million, ranking the state eighth nationally.

“These criminals will stop at nothing to wipe out the life savings of our elderly family, friends, and neighbors,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “Raising awareness of these schemes is one way the FBI and our partners are protecting the homeland one household at a time.”

The FBI advises the public to:

   •Research any unknown contact or business before engaging.

   •Resist pressure to act quickly.

   •Be cautious of unsolicited offers.

   •Never send personal information or money to unverified sources.

   •Act fast to secure accounts if compromised.

Elder fraud can be reported to local law enforcement, the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, online at tips.fbi.gov, or through www.ic3.gov.