Why it matters

The older a person becomes, the more they identify with the definition of a consumer as "informed and proactive consumers are crucial in promoting consumer justice by holding bad actors accountable for unfair practices…” This trend is most pronounced in the 75+ age group. 

• A commonly reported motivator for taking action against scammers is to protect loved ones and others from similar scams they have experienced or witnessed.

Scams continue to specifically target older adults. Recent data from the Federal Trade Commission reveals that while scammers targeted Americans of all ages in 2024, older adults suffered disproportionately higher losses compared to younger age groups. As we are increasingly reliant on email, digital transactions, and social media, it is important to develop resources and craft advocacy opportunities in deep collaboration with older consumers to account for marketplace treatment and experiences that are unique to this community, and take into account their wealth of knowledge.

What we found

• 45% of Oregonians aged 65+ (19%, aged 65-74; 26%, aged 75+) reported having experienced unfair treatment in the form of scams or fraud in the last 12 months.
• Most older Oregonians (53% aged 65-74 and 56% of those aged 75+) said that know-your-rights education and training would help resolve or avoid unfair or illegal consumer treatment.
• 42% of older adults aged 65-74 said advocacy opportunities to change or create laws would help resolve or avoid unfair or illegal consumer treatment, while 39% of older adults aged 75+ shared this sentiment.
• Just over one-quarter (28%) of Oregonians aged 65-74 and one-third (33%) of those aged 75+ reported scam or fraud to an enforcement agency or elsewhere
• More than one in 10 (13%) of Oregonians aged 75+ helped someone else understand their consumer rights, as compared to just over one in seven (16%) among Oregonians aged 65-74

Consumer scams are an ever-changing landscape and can be found in multiple parts of our economy. Fraud reporting data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shows that scams involving bad actors posing as the government, businesses, or other entities known to victims were the most commonly reported scams in 2024, and older adults lost significantly more than their younger counterparts, even though both groups filed roughly the same number of fraud reports.

Consumer resources older adults are asking for

“A list(s) of resources corresponding to "x" (type) fraud situations, so a consumer knows where to turn if such a situation arises.”

-Woman, 65-74, Crook County, White

"Better fraud/data breach investigation with enforcement of more severe penalties for such."

-Woman, 65-74, Josephine County, White

"A state agency that proactively and aggressively went after businesses/individuals committing fraud and sent the perpetrators to prison instead of just fining them (which then becomes just another cost of business) passed on to consumers."

-Person who is non-binary, 65-74, Washington County 

The bottom line

Older Oregonians face a complex relationship with scams and fraud. While they are particularly vulnerable to scams due to having more assets at risk, they are also the most likely demographic to report fraudulent activity when it occurs. Additionally, many older adults report feeling well-informed about consumer protection issues. When they do take action against scams, they are often motivated by a desire to protect their loved ones and others from experiencing similar fraud.

To build a thriving Oregon for everyone, consumer protection efforts should recognize older adults not just as potential victims, but as valuable allies in preventing scams. Their experiences and knowledge make them effective messengers and storytellers who can help protect others in their communities.