Protecting Illinois Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 282 Illinois 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 Illinois Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Illinois’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Large senior population: Illinois has over 2 million residents aged 65 and older, creating a massive target pool for scammers
- Urban-rural divide: While Chicago has extensive resources, downstate Illinois is deeply rural with limited access to in-person tech support and financial advisors
- Diverse communities: Illinois’s diverse senior population includes immigrants who may face language barriers and be targeted with scams in their native language
- Financial center: Chicago’s status as a financial hub makes investment scams sound more credible to local seniors
- Harsh winters: Long Illinois winters keep seniors indoors and online for extended periods, increasing exposure to digital scams
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Illinois (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 201 | $8.3M | — |
| 2022 | 188 | $10.3M | +24% |
| 2023 | 192 | $11.3M | +10% |
| 2024 | 303 | $12.2M | +8% |
| 2025 | 282 | $14.8M | +21% |
| 5-Year Total | 1,166 | $56.9M | +78% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Illinois residents aged 60 and older.
Illinois ranks #10 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $14.8 million lost in 2025 across 282 reported victims. That represents 2.4% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +21%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Illinois grew +78%.
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 Illinois
- Office of the Illinois Attorney General: (312) 814-3000 | illinoisattorneygeneral.gov
- Illinois Adult Protective Services: (866) 800-1409
- 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)