Protecting Nebraska Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 61 Nebraska seniors reported romance scam complaints to the FBI. These scams exploit loneliness and the desire for connection, draining victims of their savings while leaving deep emotional wounds.
Why Nebraska Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Nebraska’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Rural isolation: Many Nebraska seniors live in small towns or on farms with limited social opportunities, making online companionship especially appealing
- Widowed population: Nebraska’s senior population includes a high percentage of widowed individuals who may be seeking new connections after losing a spouse
- Long winters: Cold Nebraska winters keep seniors indoors for months, increasing time spent online and on social media where scammers operate
- Trust culture: Midwestern values of politeness and giving people the benefit of the doubt make it harder for Nebraska seniors to question a seemingly caring person’s motives
- Limited local dating options: In smaller Nebraska communities, online dating may feel like the only option for meeting new people, pushing seniors toward platforms where scammers are active
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Nebraska (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 42 | $856K | — |
| 2022 | 41 | $2.4M | +184% |
| 2023 | 42 | $1.3M | -46% |
| 2024 | 52 | $1.0M | -21% |
| 2025 | 61 | $2.0M | +96% |
| 5-Year Total | 238 | $7.7M | +137% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Nebraska residents aged 60 and older.
Nebraska ranks #44 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $2.0 million lost in 2025 across 61 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +96% — significantly faster than the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Nebraska grew +137%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Romance Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Romance Scams in Nebraska
- Office of the Nebraska Attorney General: (402) 471-2682 | protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov
- Nebraska Adult Protective Services: (800) 652-1999
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Dating platform: Report the profile on the platform where you were contacted
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from romance scams:
→ Start Romance Scam Awareness Training (Module 4)