Protecting Oregon Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 203 Oregon 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 Oregon Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Oregon’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Rural eastern Oregon: While Portland has resources, eastern Oregon is vast, rural, and isolated with limited access to in-person support
- Retiree migration: Oregon’s natural beauty attracts retirees, many of whom are far from family and existing support networks
- Progressive trust: Oregon’s community-oriented culture can make seniors more trusting of callers who present themselves as helpful
- Rainy winters: Oregon’s long, rainy winters keep seniors indoors, increasing time spent on phones and computers where scammers operate
- Tech-adjacent culture: Portland’s tech scene means some seniors feel tech-savvy enough that they won’t be scammed, which itself creates vulnerability
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Oregon (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 150 | $6.6M | — |
| 2022 | 117 | $4.5M | -32% |
| 2023 | 167 | $9.4M | +110% |
| 2024 | 200 | $9.3M | -1% |
| 2025 | 203 | $12.7M | +36% |
| 5-Year Total | 837 | $42.4M | +93% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Oregon residents aged 60 and older.
Oregon ranks #14 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $12.7 million lost in 2025 across 203 reported victims. That represents 2.1% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +36%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Oregon grew +93%.
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 Oregon
- Office of the Oregon Attorney General: (503) 378-6002 | doj.state.or.us
- Oregon Adult Protective Services: (855) 503-7233
- 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)