By Ethan Faverino |

Arizona’s elderly population is facing a devastating wave of fraud, with seniors aged 60-69 losing a staggering $12,555,627 to scams in the first quarter of 2025, according to a new study done by cryptocurrency exchange ChicksX.

The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Network data reveals that 31.3% of Arizona residents in this age group targeted by fraudsters have suffered financial losses, with a median per-person loss of $1,000, nearly double the national average of $597.

The most common scams targeting Arizona seniors include business imposters (393 reports), government imposters (266 reports), and online shopping frauds (148 reports).

These scams exploit the trust of the elderly often through official-sounding phone calls, emails, or fake online deals.

Arizona ranks among the top states for fraud losses per report, with a per-report loss 99.8% higher than the national average.

The impact of fraud extends beyond the 60-69 age group. Arizona residents aged 70-79 filed 1,457 fraud reports with 29.3% resulting in financial loss, average $3,000 per person.

Those aged 80 and over reported 535 cases, with 28.8% losing funds at a median of $3,640 per incident.

In total, Arizona residents aged 50 and older lost over $41 million to fraud in Q1 of 2025.

“Fraudsters know that seniors may be more trusting, less familiar with online platforms or purchases, or unaware of how sophisticated modern scam attempts have become,” said CEO of ChicksX, Al Alof. “It’s essential that families and communities talk openly about these risks and the warning sign to prevent vulnerable individuals from falling victim.”

Nationally, 60,379 fraud reports were filed by those aged 60-69 in Q1 of 2025, with 29% resulting in financial losses totaling $354.9 million. Arizona ranks third among the hardest-hit states.

The states with the highest average fraud losses per report for this age group are:

• Alaska: $1,415 per report (121 reports, 26.4% with loss)
• North Dakota: $1,404 per report (79 reports, 39.2% with loss)
• Kansas: $1,000 per report (488 reports, 21.1% with loss)

The states with the lowest average fraud losses per report for this age group are:

• Vermont: $149 per report (118 reports, 24.6% with loss)
• South Dakota: $170 per report (118 reports, 44.1% with loss)
• Maine: $174 per report (396 reports, 18.9% with loss)

Al Alof and ChicksX share that the three tips to help avoid falling victim to fraud are, be suspicious of deals that are “too good to be true,” don’t answer calls that are unfamiliar, specifically ones that claim to be from Social Security or Medicaid, and ask family for help with unfamiliar phone calls or emails.

Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.