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Older Adult Fraud: Romance Scam

Writer's picture: Elder Love USAElder Love USA

Updated: Dec 5, 2024



According to the Pew Research Center, one in six Americans over the age of 50 has tried a dating app or site, often looking for long-term companionship. Unfortunately, scammers know this and exploit it by pretending to seek serious relationships, only to ask for money until the victim either runs out or stops sending it.

Romance scammers typically connect through dating profiles or public information such as email, phone numbers, or social media accounts. According to the IC3, over 23,000 people were victims of romance scams in 2020, with losses exceeding $600 million. It’s likely that many more cases go unreported. Red Flags to Watch Out For:

1. A Conveniently "Busy" Identity Scammers often claim to have a demanding life, making excuses to avoid meeting in person. According to the FBI, many claim to be working abroad in industries like construction, creating plausible reasons why they can’t meet.

Since they are scammers, they may also pretend they want to meet you in person, but with one catch—you’ll need to pay for their airfare. Despite their promises, they have no intention of following through. 2. Fast-Tracked Relationships

They push for a relationship quickly, wanting to build trust before you catch onto inconsistencies. They may even propose marriage within a short time, making grand promises about your future together, claiming it’s "fate" or "destiny." 3. Too Good to Be

Scammers will tell you they share all your interests, from favorite books to hobbies, because they’ve studied your public profile. This manufactured perfection is a major red flag. 4. Sob Stories Leading to Financial Requests Once they've hooked you emotionally, they’ll create a crisis requiring money, such as:

  • Family emergencies

  • Work projects that need funding

  • Legal issues requiring a lawyer

  • Frozen bank accounts or bail money

They promise to repay you but never do, often claiming they never received the funds, just to ask for more.

How to Protect Yourself:

  1. Limit the Personal Information You Share Online Scammers can use what you post to create a convincing backstory.

  2. Never Send Money to Someone You’ve Only Met Online No matter how strong the connection feels, make it a rule not to send money to someone you haven't met in person.

  3. Seek Input from Friends or Family If you’re unsure, consult with someone you trust. They can offer a clearer perspective and may help prevent you from falling deeper into the scam.

  4. Do Your Research If someone gives you a story that seems too good to be true, search for it online. Look up the job they claim to have, such as “construction scammer,” and see if others have reported similar experiences.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a romance scam, don’t hesitate to take action:

  • File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov

  • Contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.

  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov

For more information and support, visit the Stop Elder Fraud program to learn how to protect yourself and others.



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