Protecting Virginia Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 267 Virginia 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 Virginia Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Virginia’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Federal retirees: Northern Virginia’s massive federal workforce produces retirees specifically targeted by government impersonation scams
- Military communities: Virginia’s major military bases (Norfolk, Quantico, Fort Gregg-Adams) bring retirees targeted by VA impersonation scams
- Extreme wealth disparity: Northern Virginia’s wealthy retirees and Appalachian Virginia’s economically challenged seniors both face different but significant risks
- High losses: With over $220 million in elder fraud losses, Virginia ranks among the top 10 hardest-hit states in the nation
- Southern trust culture: Virginia’s traditional culture of courtesy and respect makes seniors more likely to engage with official-sounding callers
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Virginia (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 229 | $10.1M | — |
| 2022 | 223 | $10.0M | -1% |
| 2023 | 188 | $9.5M | -5% |
| 2024 | 256 | $13.8M | +44% |
| 2025 | 267 | $16.9M | +23% |
| 5-Year Total | 1,163 | $60.3M | +67% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Virginia residents aged 60 and older.
Virginia ranks #7 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $16.9 million lost in 2025 across 267 reported victims. That represents 2.8% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +23%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Virginia grew +67%.
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 Virginia
- Office of the Virginia Attorney General: (804) 786-2071 | oag.state.va.us
- Virginia Adult Protective Services: (888) 832-3858
- 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)