IRS Criminal Investigation warns of rising elder fraud schemes

Date: June 15, 2026

Contact: [email protected]

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.

Red flags

IRS-CI encourages the public to be aware. Schemes often include:

• Pressure to act immediately or keep the matter secret.
• Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or cash.
• Unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages.
• Requests for sensitive personal information.
• Threats of arrest, legal action, or deportation.

Protect yourself

• Hang up if someone claims to be from a government agency and asks for payment or personal information. Contact the agency directly using information from its official website.
• Slow down and verify the situation; scammers create false urgency to push victims into quick decisions.
• Protect your personal and financial information, especially in response to unsolicited messages.
• Consult a trusted family member, financial advisor, or attorney before sending money or making major financial decisions.
• Monitor financial accounts regularly and report suspicious activity immediately.
• Be cautious of new online acquaintances and verify identities before engaging further.

If you or someone you know has been victimized

Don't be embarrassed about falling victim to a scam; these schemes have grown increasingly sophisticated. Victims should:

• Cease contact with the scammer immediately.
• Notify their financial institution if money or account details were shared.
• Report the incident to local law enforcement or an IRS-CI field office.
• Preserve all records, including emails, screenshots, and phone numbers.

Help prevent elder fraud

Family members can play a vital role in preventing elder fraud.

• Discuss common scams openly.
• Establish trusted contacts with financial institutions.
• Watching for unusual withdrawals, sudden secrecy, or new online "friends."
• Considering power of attorney arrangements in cases of cognitive decline.

For more information or to report elder fraud, please contact your local IRS Criminal Investigation field office or visit IRS.gov/ci.

IRS-CI is the law enforcement arm of the IRS, responsible for conducting financial crime investigations, including tax fraud, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, public corruption, healthcare fraud, identity theft and more. It is the only federal law enforcement agency with investigative jurisdiction over violations of the Internal Revenue Code. IRS-CI has 18 field offices located across the U.S. and maintains an international presence through attaché posts abroad.