FBI reports elder fraud in Arkansas on the rise, more than $27 million in 2024 losses
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Officials with the Little Rock FBI office said elder fraud is on the rise nationally, including in Arkansas.
Officials said that the 2024 national loss to those over 60 due to various scams totaled $4.885 billion, based on 147,127 complaints. This represents a 46% increase from 2023 losses, they said.
Arkansas agencies issue notices about frequent text scam
FBI officials reported that Arkansans over 60 experienced losses totaling $27,253,501 in 2024. Officials said typical scams targeting seniors include investment scams, technical/customer support scams, money mule & romance scams and others.
'Anyone can be a victim of fraud, but unfortunately scams targeting the elderly remain a growing problem,' said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder. 'Our goal is to educate Arkansans about this threat so together we can protect seniors in our communities.'
Investigators said seniors are often targeted because they are generally more polite and trusting. The fact that they may be unfamiliar with reporting options such as IC3.gov adds to their attractiveness to predatory scammers.
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin urges precautions as scammers target small businesses
FBI officials gave these tips to help seniors avoid scams:
Search online for the contact information (name, phone number, email, and address) of any unknown source that reaches out to you, as well as the proposed offer. Verify the legitimacy of businesses on reputable websites, such as the Better Business Bureau. Other people have likely posted information online about businesses and individuals attempting to run scams.
Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to lure victims into immediate action, typically by instilling trust, inducing empathy or fear, or promising monetary gains, companionship or employment opportunities.
Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers.
Never give or send to unverified people or businesses any personally identifiable information, money, checks, gift cards, or wire information.
Take precautionary measures to protect your identity in case a criminal gains access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.
Jefferson County deputies warn of email scam
If someone believes they are a victim of fraud or knows a senior who may be, regardless of financial loss, immediately report the incident to their local FBI field office or other law enforcement agency, or:
by calling 1-800-CALL FBI, or
online at Tips.FBI.gov, or
to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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