Protecting Kansas Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 111 Kansas 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 Kansas Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Kansas’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Rural state: Kansas is among the most rural states in the nation, with many seniors living in isolated communities far from tech support and consumer protection offices
- Agricultural wealth: Kansas seniors with farming and ranching assets are targeted by scammers pushing fake commodity investments and land deals
- Military retirees: Fort Riley and McConnell Air Force Base bring military retirees who are targeted by scammers impersonating VA and military benefits offices
- Trust culture: Kansas’s friendly Midwestern culture makes seniors more likely to trust callers who sound helpful and official
- Limited broadband: Western Kansas in particular lacks reliable internet infrastructure, meaning seniors may be less aware of online scam tactics
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Kansas (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 53 | $3.2M | — |
| 2022 | 62 | $2.1M | -36% |
| 2023 | 52 | $3.3M | +62% |
| 2024 | 71 | $1.4M | -57% |
| 2025 | 111 | $4.7M | +230% |
| 5-Year Total | 349 | $14.8M | +47% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Kansas residents aged 60 and older.
Kansas ranks #32 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $4.7 million lost in 2025 across 111 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +230% — significantly faster than the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Kansas grew +47%.
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 Kansas
- Office of the Kansas Attorney General: (785) 296-2215 | ag.ks.gov
- Kansas Adult Protective Services: (800) 922-5330
- 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)