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BBB Scam Tracker finds investment and cryptocurrency scams are the highest‑risk scams for adults 55+, highlighting growing fraud targeting older investors.
The Better Business Bureau’s latest Scam Tracker Risk Report lists investment and cryptocurrency scams as the most prevalent fraud threats for Americans aged 55 and older, underscoring a rising danger for senior investors [1].
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Risk rank (55+) | #1 for investment/crypto scams |
| Age group | 55 + (including 55‑64 and 65+) |
| Compared period | Latest BBB report (2024) |
| Key driver | Targeted phone, online and romance scams |
The BBB data shows that older adults are disproportionately targeted by crypto‑related fraud, ranking it alongside traditional investment scams as the highest‑risk category for the 55‑plus demographic [1]. Scammers exploit familiarity gaps with digital assets, using tactics such as fake “sure‑fire” investment opportunities, pressure to act quickly, and requests for unconventional payment methods like prepaid debit cards or wire transfers [1].
Typical fraud schemes involve impersonating government agents, banks, or even family members to extract personal information or funds. Callers often spoof caller IDs and claim urgent “postage” or “administrative” fees to legitimize the request [1]. In romance scams, perpetrators build months‑long relationships before demanding money for medical or travel expenses, a method that also extends to crypto promises [1]. Phishing emails and malicious links are another vector, with older users less likely to recognize sophisticated tech‑support scams that can install malware and compromise crypto wallets [1].
The prominence of crypto scams among seniors signals that the sector’s rapid growth continues to attract fraudsters seeking vulnerable investors. While the report does not quantify monetary losses, the ranking as the top risk highlights a clear need for heightened vigilance among older crypto participants. The BBB recommends registering phone numbers on the Do‑Not‑Call list and using reputable platforms for any crypto transactions [1].
The BBB’s findings suggest that as crypto adoption expands, so does the incentive for scammers to target older adults, making education and protective measures essential to safeguard this growing investor segment.
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AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 2 outlets · Jun 17, 2026 · How we report
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