Protecting Indiana Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 243 Indiana 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 Indiana Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Indiana’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Midwestern trust: Indiana’s culture of Hoosier hospitality makes seniors more likely to engage with callers who sound friendly and authoritative
- Rural communities: Much of Indiana outside Indianapolis is rural, with limited access to in-person tech support and consumer protection offices
- Manufacturing retirees: Indiana’s large base of manufacturing retirees often have pension savings that make them attractive targets for investment scams
- Aging population: Indiana’s 65-and-over population is growing steadily, with over 1 million residents now in this age group
- Limited broadband: Many rural Indiana counties still lack reliable high-speed internet, meaning seniors have less exposure to online fraud awareness
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Indiana (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 136 | $4.2M | — |
| 2022 | 104 | $7.5M | +78% |
| 2023 | 134 | $3.4M | -55% |
| 2024 | 169 | $4.6M | +34% |
| 2025 | 243 | $12.5M | +175% |
| 5-Year Total | 786 | $32.2M | +198% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Indiana residents aged 60 and older.
Indiana ranks #15 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $12.5 million lost in 2025 across 243 reported victims. That represents 2.1% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +175% — significantly faster than the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Indiana grew +198%.
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 Indiana
- Office of the Indiana Attorney General: (317) 232-6201 | in.gov/attorneygeneral
- Indiana Adult Protective Services: (800) 992-6978
- 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)