Protecting Utah Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 103 Utah 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 Utah Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Utah’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Affinity fraud capital: Utah has historically been called the “affinity fraud capital” due to scammers exploiting tight-knit religious and community networks
- Trust culture: Utah’s strong community bonds and culture of trust make seniors particularly vulnerable to scams from people who appear to share their values
- Growing senior population: Utah’s 65-and-over population is growing rapidly as retirees are attracted by the state’s natural beauty and low crime
- Rural western areas: Much of southern and western Utah is extremely rural with limited access to services and broadband
- Multi-level marketing culture: Utah’s history with MLM companies can blur the line between legitimate and fraudulent investment opportunities for seniors
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Utah (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 61 | $2.8M | — |
| 2022 | 70 | $2.2M | -20% |
| 2023 | 72 | $2.0M | -8% |
| 2024 | 91 | $2.9M | +40% |
| 2025 | 103 | $7.2M | +153% |
| 5-Year Total | 397 | $17.1M | +160% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Utah residents aged 60 and older.
Utah ranks #26 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $7.2 million lost in 2025 across 103 reported victims. That represents 1.2% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +153% — significantly faster than the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Utah grew +160%.
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 Utah
- Office of the Utah Attorney General: (801) 538-9600 | attorneygeneral.utah.gov
- Utah Adult Protective Services: (800) 371-7897
- 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)