Protecting District of Columbia Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 7 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
District of Columbia’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Government trust factor: Living in the nation’s capital, DC seniors may be more likely to believe callers claiming to represent federal agencies
- High cost of living: DC’s expensive cost of living means seniors on fixed incomes feel greater pressure from financial scams promising returns
- Diverse population: DC’s diverse senior population includes immigrants who may be targeted with language-specific scams or threats about immigration status
- Dense urban environment: While urban, many DC seniors live alone in apartments with limited social networks, increasing vulnerability to isolation-based scams
- Federal employee retirees: DC’s large federal retiree population is targeted by scammers impersonating agencies like OPM, SSA, and the IRS
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in District of Columbia (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 16 | $326K | — |
| 2022 | 8 | $855K | +162% |
| 2023 | 7 | $19K | -98% |
| 2024 | 13 | $445K | +2243% |
| 2025 | 7 | $27K | -94% |
| 5-Year Total | 51 | $1.7M | -92% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for District of Columbia residents aged 60 and older.
District of Columbia ranks #52 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $27,119 lost in 2025 across 7 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -94%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in District of Columbia grew -92%.
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 District of Columbia
- Office of the District of Columbia Attorney General: (202) 727-3400 | oag.dc.gov
- DC Adult Protective Services: (202) 541-3950
- 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)