06/17/2026

IRS Criminal Investigation warns of rising elder fraud schemes

IRS

Washington – Protecting older Americans remains a top priority for IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and within the last two years, the agency has seen an increase in fraudulent activity targeting the elderly. In fiscal year (FY) 2025 alone, IRS‑CI initiated 97 new elder fraud investigations, and halfway into the current fiscal year, investigators have opened an additional 64 cases. From FY2021 through FY2026, the agency launched 255 elder fraud investigations with alleged fraud totaling $885.86 million. $736.82 million in alleged fraud is tied to cases initiated within the last two years. Nearly 97% of IRS-CI’s prosecuted cases resulted in convictions, with defendants receiving federal prison sentences averaging almost four years.

Common elder fraud schemes

Criminals continue to use deceptive tactics to steal money and personal information from older adults. The most common schemes include:

• Government impersonation scams: Scammers pose as IRS or other government officials, threatening arrest unless immediate payment is made.
• Emergency scams: Fraudsters claim that a loved one is in danger and urgently needs financial help.
• Romance scams: Criminals build online relationships under false pretenses to solicit money.
• Lottery and sweepstakes fraud: Victims are told they’ve won a prize but must first pay taxes or fees.
• Investment fraud: Scammers promise high‑return, low‑risk opportunities, including Ponzi schemes and cryptocurrency scams.
• Charity scams: Fake nonprofits solicit donations, often after major disasters or tragedies.