A Rising Threat: Scam Victimization Among Hawai‘i’s Kūpuna (2020–2025 Overview)

Scams targeting kūpuna—Hawai‘i’s cherished older adults—are not just rising in numbers but evolving in sophistication. Between 2020 and early 2025, Hawai‘i has witnessed an alarming increase in fraud cases that cost kupuna and their families tens of millions of dollars. While scammers shift their tactics, the need for awareness, prevention, and community support has never been more critical.

This blog offers a data-driven overview of trends and insights from the last five years to empower Hawai‘i residents in protecting their elders.

Scam Statistics at a Glance (2020–2025)

📈 Complaints Filed

• 2020: 452 complaints from adults 60+ in Hawai‘i (ranked 40th in the U.S.)
• 2021: 470 reports filed
• 2023: 453 complaints
• 2024: 647 reports — a 43% increase over 2023
• 2025 (Jan–Mar): 12,500 scams reported by Hawai‘i residents aged 80+

💸 Financial Losses

• 2020: $5.4 million
• 2021: $11.7 million (down from $13.7M in 2020)
• 2022: Over $16 million — an 84% increase from 2021
• 2023: $27.9 million reported, while SMP Hawai‘i logged over $52 million in internet scam losses
• 2024: $18.8 million — investment scams accounted for over $9.8 million

What Types of Scams Are Affecting Kūpuna?

Hawai‘i’s older adults are being targeted by increasingly deceptive and diverse schemes. Notable trends include:

• Investment Scams (2024): The biggest financial threat, accounting for over half of reported losses.
• Tech Support Scams (2021): The most common fraud, often involving fake pop-ups or unsolicited calls.
• Imposter Scams & Identity Theft (2023): Reported as top complaints by SMP Hawai‘i.
• Romance Scams: Often aimed at widowed or divorced seniors using online relationship platforms.

Why Are Kūpuna Vulnerable?

Several factors contribute to the increased risk older adults face:

• Trusting Nature: Seniors may be more polite or deferential, making it harder to hang up or question motives.
• Technology Gap: Scammers exploit unfamiliarity with digital tools or cybersecurity.
• Underreporting: Many victims never report the crime due to embarrassment, fear, or not knowing how.
• Family Involvement: Sadly, direct relatives are responsible for many financial abuse cases.
• Artificial Intelligence: AI-generated voices and deepfakes are making fraud even more convincing.

The Toll Is More Than Financial

Although younger adults report more scams, older adults experience higher average losses. The financial damage is compounded by emotional trauma, eroded trust, and loss of independence.

How We Can Protect Hawai‘i’s Kūpuna

✅ Educate

• Host or attend community workshops.
• Share common scam red flags with kūpuna and caregivers.

✅ Monitor

• Keep an eye on sudden changes in financial behavior.
• Regularly review bank statements and transactions.

✅ Report

• Contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov
• Call SMP Hawai‘i at 1-800-296-9422 or visit www.smphawaii.org

Hawai‘i’s cultural values teach us to mālama (care for) our elders. As scam tactics evolve, so must our vigilance. By staying informed, we honor our kūpuna with the protection, dignity, and respect they deserve.

Let’s stand united against fraud and protect the people who helped shape our communities.