What age is scammed the most?

Young Adults Most Targeted by Scammers in 2023

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not older adults who are most frequently scammed—it’s young adults between the ages of 20 and 29. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) 2023 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, this age group reported more instances of fraud than any other. With over 2.6 million scam-related complaints filed that year and losses exceeding $10 billion, the numbers paint a concerning picture of modern digital vulnerability.

While older adults tend to lose more money per incident, younger people are more often the target of scams overall. This trend reflects how deeply embedded digital technology is in the lives of millennials and younger Gen Z individuals. From online shopping fraud and phishing emails to fake job offers and social media cons, scammers are adapting quickly to the platforms young adults use every day.

One reason for this heightened risk may be overconfidence. Many young people assume they’re too tech-savvy to be fooled, but sophisticated scams—especially those leveraging emotional urgency or social engineering—are designed to bypass skepticism. Romance scams, impersonation fraud, and fake tech support calls have all seen sharp increases, often reaching their audience through apps and websites popular with younger demographics.

The FTC data, released in January 2025, serves as a wake-up call. It’s not just about lost money—though $10 billion is staggering—it’s about the psychological toll and the erosion of trust in everyday digital interactions. Awareness is key. Recognizing red flags, double-checking requests for personal information, and slowing down in high-pressure situations can go a long way.

Being young and connected shouldn’t mean being vulnerable. The best defense isn’t age—it’s vigilance.