World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Protecting Older Alaskans from Fraud

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Protecting Older Alaskans from Fraud

From romance scams to cryptocurrency schemes, criminals are erasing lifetimes of labor. In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, AARP Alaska is partnering with the FBI Anchorage Field Office and U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska to shine a light on a growing threat facing older Alaskans: cybercrime.

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Fraud Is a Growing Concern for Older Alaskans

Fraud losses reached record levels in 2025. According to the annual report from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), Alaskans filed 3,202 cyberfraud complaints last year, totaling nearly $40 million in reported losses, a 52% increase from the previous year. Alaskans 60 and older experienced the highest reported losses of any age group at $16.2 million.

“These numbers represent the highest financial losses ever reported in Alaska involving cyber-enabled crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Behind these numbers are real people – Alaskan families who lost hard-earned savings, retirement funds, and financial security.”

Cracking down on fraud is a top priority for the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska. However, cybercrime cases are especially challenging, often involving large volumes of evidence, international jurisdiction, and years of investigation and prosecution.

Source: FBI Anchorage

3 Costliest Scams for Older Alaskans

The annual report from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) identified the costliest scams for Alaskans 60 and older in 2025:

1. Investment Fraud: Perpetrators offer fraudulent investment opportunities, often promising large returns with minimal risk. You may remember the Garrett Elder Ponzi scheme, which resulted in losses of more than $26 million and defrauded many older Alaskans. Total cost to Alaskans 60 and older in 2025: $6 million.
2. Romance/Confidence Fraud: A criminal convinces an individual they are in a relationship (family, friendly, or romantic), then pressures the victim to send money, personal or financial information, or to launder money for the perpetrator. This includes any scheme in which the perpetrator preys on the targeted individual’s “heartstrings.” Total cost to Alaskans 60 and older in 2025: $4 million.
3. Tech Support Fraud: Scammers impersonate technical or customer support representatives, claim there is a problem with the victim’s computer or account, and demand private information or payment to fix the fake issue. Total cost to Alaskans 60 and older in 2025: $2.1 million.

Cryptocurrency Scams: An Emerging Threat

Nearly half of reported cybercrime losses in Alaska were cryptocurrency related. Criminals often demand cryptocurrency as payment – in a romance scam, for example – or promote it as an investment because it is more anonymous, lacks insurance or government backing, and is harder to trace than traditional financial products.