Protecting Alabama Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 161 Alabama 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 Alabama Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Alabama’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Southern hospitality: Alabama’s culture of warmth and trust makes seniors more likely to engage with callers who sound friendly and authoritative
- Rural isolation: Over 41% of Alabama’s population lives in rural areas where in-person tech support and financial advisors are scarce
- Elderly poverty: Alabama has one of the highest elderly poverty rates in the nation, making seniors more susceptible to promises of quick financial gains
- Limited broadband: Many rural Alabama counties have limited internet infrastructure, meaning seniors may be less familiar with online scam tactics
- Faith community targeting: Scammers exploit Alabama’s strong church networks through affinity fraud, approaching seniors at places of worship
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Alabama (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 105 | $4.3M | — |
| 2022 | 102 | $3.8M | -13% |
| 2023 | 89 | $2.2M | -42% |
| 2024 | 110 | $3.6M | +66% |
| 2025 | 161 | $8.0M | +120% |
| 5-Year Total | 567 | $21.9M | +87% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Alabama residents aged 60 and older.
Alabama ranks #23 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $8.0 million lost in 2025 across 161 reported victims. That represents 1.3% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +120% — significantly faster than the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Alabama grew +87%.
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 Alabama
- Office of the Alabama Attorney General: (334) 242-7300 | ago.state.al.us
- Alabama Department of Human Resources Adult Protective Services: (800) 458-7214
- 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)