Younger Adults More Vulnerable to Scams Than Elderly in Ohio

Data shows younger demographics report losing money to fraud more frequently than older populations

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

While public awareness campaigns have long focused on older adults as the primary victims of consumer fraud, recent data shows that younger adults in Ohio and across the country are actually more likely to report losing money to scams. The Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau report that adults ages 18 to 39 are significantly more susceptible to online purchase scams, employment fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes compared to those 60 and older.

Why it matters

This data challenges the common perception that the elderly are the main targets of scams. It suggests the need to expand consumer protection efforts to better address the vulnerabilities of younger demographics, who may be more active on social media platforms where many modern scams originate.

The details

Younger adults tend to lose lower median dollar amounts when scammed, but they still fall victim at higher rates. Common scams targeting younger Ohioans include employment fraud, online purchase scams, and cryptocurrency schemes, often facilitated by AI-driven technologies like voice cloning, deepfakes, and automated chatbots on social media. Other prevalent scams in the state involve imposter scams, home improvement fraud, and identity theft.

  • The Federal Trade Commission recently released data showing the shift in scam victim demographics.
  • The Ohio Department of Commerce has reported an increase in AI-driven scams targeting younger adults in the past year.

The players

Federal Trade Commission

The federal consumer protection agency that collects data on consumer fraud reports.

Better Business Bureau

A nonprofit organization that provides consumer education and reports on scam trends.

Ohio Department of Commerce

The state agency that oversees consumer protection efforts and has tracked the rise of AI-driven scams.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Ohio Attorney General's Office plans to launch a new public awareness campaign focused on educating younger adults about common scam tactics.

The takeaway

This data highlights the need for consumer protection efforts to evolve beyond the traditional focus on elderly victims. Younger demographics in Ohio and across the country are increasingly vulnerable to emerging scams facilitated by new technologies, underscoring the importance of expanding fraud prevention education and resources to address these shifting trends.