Scammers posing as federal agents and local cops have squeezed more than $27.6 million out of Texans in a single year, according to federal data, turning fake badge numbers and bogus arrest threats into a very real cash machine.
Texas residents reported losing exactly $27,659,035 to government impersonation scams in 2024, as criminals pretended to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration or local law enforcement and demanded immediate payment. Victims are often pushed to pay on the spot with gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency, and many of the complaints are coming from older adults. Local FBI officials released the state breakdown this week as federal investigators spotlight a nationwide jump in impersonation fraud.
IC3 Data Shows the National Scale
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center logged 859,532 complaints in 2024 and estimated total reported losses at about $16.6 billion, marking a record year for internet-enabled fraud. Government impersonation alone accounted for roughly $405.6 million in losses and 17,367 complaints, according to IC3.
Texas Totals and a Rising Trend
In a Facebook post on March 16, 2026, the FBI's Dallas office said that, based on IC3 data, Texans reported $27,659,035 in government impersonation losses in 2024. The post included a year-by-year breakdown showing losses rising from about $6 million in 2020 to roughly $27.66 million in 2024, illustrating a steady climb in reported damage across the state, according to FBI Dallas.
Seniors Hit Especially Hard
Older adults were hit hardest. IC3 reports that people aged 60 and over submitted the greatest number of complaints and accounted for nearly $4.9 billion in losses nationally. In Texas, seniors filed 9,473 complaints and reported about $489.8 million in losses in 2024, per IC3. That is a big reason field offices are leaning into outreach and emphasizing reporting options for elder-fraud victims.
How the Scams Typically Play Out
Scammers often spoof caller ID or use recorded voices to impersonate government officials, then threaten arrest or other penalties unless victims pay immediately. The Federal Trade Commission has noted a surge in cash-style payments to government impersonators and found that the median loss for victims who paid in cash in early 2024 was roughly $14,740, underscoring why experts warn against any unsolicited payment demand, per the FTC.
What To Do If You Are Targeted
If you receive a call or message demanding money, hang up, do not provide codes or payment details, and never buy gift cards to "pay" a government agency. Confirm any claim by calling the agency at a publicly listed number and reporting the incident. For internet-facilitated fraud, file a complaint with IC3. Texans can also contact the Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection division for help and to report fraud.
Law enforcement officials stress that quick reporting preserves evidence and improves the chances of recovery. The Dallas post and the IC3 report together show why vigilance, independent verification and prompt reporting remain the best defenses against these increasingly costly cons.
