Protecting North Dakota Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 20 North Dakota 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 North Dakota Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
North Dakota’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Extreme rural isolation: North Dakota is one of the least densely populated states, with many seniors living far from any in-person services
- Oil wealth: The Bakken oil boom brought wealth to parts of the state, making some seniors targets for investment scams
- Brutal winters: North Dakota’s severe winters keep seniors homebound for months, greatly increasing exposure to phone and online scams
- Agricultural communities: Farming and ranching seniors with land and assets are targeted by scammers pushing fake investments
- Small-town trust: North Dakota’s tight-knit small communities foster a level of trust that scammers exploit through impersonation
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in North Dakota (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 21 | $499K | — |
| 2022 | 19 | $325K | -35% |
| 2023 | 24 | $821K | +152% |
| 2024 | 16 | $541K | -34% |
| 2025 | 20 | $513K | -5% |
| 5-Year Total | 100 | $2.7M | +3% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for North Dakota residents aged 60 and older.
North Dakota ranks #48 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $513,450 lost in 2025 across 20 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -5%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in North Dakota grew +3%.
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 North Dakota
- Office of the North Dakota Attorney General: (701) 328-2210 | attorneygeneral.nd.gov
- North Dakota Aging Services: (855) 462-5465
- 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)