Protecting Louisiana Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 146 Louisiana 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 Louisiana Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Louisiana’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- High poverty rate: Louisiana has one of the highest overall poverty rates in the nation, with many seniors living on limited fixed incomes
- Rural isolation: Much of Louisiana outside New Orleans and Baton Rouge is deeply rural, with limited access to in-person tech support and financial services
- Southern trust culture: Louisiana’s warm, community-oriented culture means seniors are more likely to trust callers who sound friendly and helpful
- Natural disaster vulnerability: Seniors affected by hurricanes and flooding are targeted by scammers posing as FEMA, insurance companies, or government relief agencies
- Limited broadband: Many rural Louisiana parishes lack reliable internet, reducing seniors’ exposure to online fraud awareness resources
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Louisiana (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 65 | $8.3M | — |
| 2022 | 60 | $3.1M | -62% |
| 2023 | 62 | $871K | -72% |
| 2024 | 99 | $2.1M | +142% |
| 2025 | 146 | $4.6M | +119% |
| 5-Year Total | 432 | $19.0M | -44% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Louisiana residents aged 60 and older.
Louisiana ranks #33 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $4.6 million lost in 2025 across 146 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +119% — significantly faster than the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Louisiana grew -44%.
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 Louisiana
- Office of the Louisiana Attorney General: (225) 326-6000 | ag.louisiana.gov
- Louisiana Adult Protective Services: (800) 898-4910
- 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)