Town hall meetings to address financial scams targeting seniors
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IDAHO FALLS — Financial scams are taking a toll on Idahoans, especially seniors, with reported losses more than doubled in the past year.
To help seniors recognize and avoid financial fraud, Idaho Sen. Kevin Cook, R-Idaho Falls, is hosting two free informational town hall meetings in Idaho Falls on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
According to statistics Cook provided from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, Idahoans age 60 and older filed 1,136 complaints in 2025, reporting more than $37.4 million in losses. That’s roughly double the $18.7 million reported in 2024 and averages nearly $33,000 in losses per complaint.
And those figures may only tell part of the story.
Cook noted that the numbers reflect only cases reported to the FBI. Some victims never report financial losses because they are embarrassed, unsure where to turn or believe nothing can be done.
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Representatives from the Idaho Department of Finance and the FBI will be on hand at both meetings to discuss common financial scams, warning signs to watch for and steps people can take to protect themselves and their loved ones.
They will also explain what to do if someone suspects they have been targeted by a scam.
Both meetings will take place Oct. 21 and cover the same information:
11 a.m. to noon: Idaho Falls Area Humanitarian Center, 1415 Northgate Mile, Idaho Falls.
1 to 2 p.m.: Idaho Falls Senior Citizen Center, 535 West 21st Street, Idaho Falls.
Cook, who represents Legislative District 32, is encouraging residents to spread the word about the meetings, particularly to older family members, friends and neighbors who may benefit from the information.
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The meetings are open to the public, and attendees can choose whichever time and location is most convenient.
