San Diego, November 27, 2025
San Diego County has reported over $130 million lost to scams targeting older adults in just one year. The Elder Justice Task Force highlights more than 4,600 local victims and the growing sophistication of these fraud schemes. With common tactics including impersonation and urgent requests for money, seniors are urged to take preventive measures. Ongoing efforts by local authorities aim to combat this alarming trend and raise awareness within the community.
San Diego County Reports Over $130 Million Lost to Elder Scams in One Year
San Diego, CA – Scams targeting older adults in San Diego County have resulted in losses exceeding $130 million over the past year, according to the county’s Elder Justice Task Force. This alarming figure underscores the escalating threat posed by increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes aimed at seniors.
Details of the Losses
The Elder Justice Task Force, established in 2020, has identified more than 4,600 local victims and over $325 million in losses since its inception. These figures likely represent only a fraction of the actual impact, as many cases go unreported due to victims’ feelings of shame or embarrassment. The task force’s efforts have led to state and federal prosecutions of over 70 defendants involved in these scams.
Common Scam Tactics
Scammers employ a variety of tactics to deceive older adults, including:
- Impersonation of Authority Figures: Fraudsters pose as government officials, law enforcement, or banking representatives to gain trust and access to personal information.
- Urgent Financial Requests: Victims are pressured to transfer funds or provide sensitive information under false pretenses, such as claiming their accounts have been compromised.
- AI-Generated Voice Mimicry: Advanced technology is used to replicate the voices of family members, convincing victims to send money or share confidential details.
Preventive Measures
To protect themselves, seniors are advised to follow the “Stop. Hang Up. Tell Someone.” mantra:
- Stop: Pause and assess the situation before taking any action.
- Hang Up: Terminate the call or close the communication channel immediately.
- Tell Someone: Inform a trusted friend, family member, or caregiver about the incident for guidance and support.
Additionally, legitimate agencies will never ask individuals to move their money elsewhere to “keep it safe.” Seniors should use call-blocking tools to reduce scam attempts and always verify the identity of callers by contacting organizations through known and trusted channels.
Background Context
The rise in elder fraud cases is a nationwide concern, with California leading the nation in both the number of victims and the amount of victim loss. In 2023, California reported over 77,000 victims and $2.1 billion in losses. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and the FBI have been actively working to combat these crimes, recovering millions of dollars for victims and prosecuting those responsible. Despite these efforts, the prevalence of such scams continues to grow, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and education within the community.
FAQ
What is the total amount lost to elder scams in San Diego County over the past year?
Over $130 million has been lost to elder scams in San Diego County in one year.
How many victims have been identified by the Elder Justice Task Force since its inception?
The Elder Justice Task Force has identified more than 4,600 local victims since its inception.
What are some common tactics used by scammers targeting older adults?
Common scam tactics include impersonation of authority figures, urgent financial requests, and AI-generated voice mimicry.
What preventive measures can seniors take to protect themselves from scams?
Seniors should follow the “Stop. Hang Up. Tell Someone.” mantra and verify the identity of callers by contacting organizations through known and trusted channels.
What is the broader context of elder fraud in California?
California leads the nation in both the number of victims and the amount of victim loss due to elder fraud, with over 77,000 victims and $2.1 billion in losses reported in 2023.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Losses | Over $130 million lost to elder scams in San Diego County in one year. |
| Victim Count | More than 4,600 local victims identified by the Elder Justice Task Force since its inception. |
| Common Scam Tactics | Impersonation of authority figures, urgent financial requests, and AI-generated voice mimicry. |
| Preventive Measures | Follow the “Stop. Hang Up. Tell Someone.” mantra and verify the identity of callers through known and trusted channels. |
| Broader Context | California leads the nation in both the number of victims and the amount of victim loss due to elder fraud, with over 77,000 victims and $2.1 billion in losses reported in 2023. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
