Protecting Washington Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 262 Washington 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 Washington Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Washington’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Tech-hub overconfidence: Washington’s tech culture can make seniors feel “too savvy” to be scammed, which scammers exploit
- Rural eastern Washington: East of the Cascades, Washington is vast and rural with limited access to services and broadband
- High wealth concentration: The Seattle metro’s tech wealth creates affluent retirees who are prime targets for investment scams
- Military communities: Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Naval Station Kitsap bring military retirees targeted by VA impersonation scams
- Rainy winters: Western Washington’s long, dark, rainy season keeps seniors indoors and online for extended periods
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Washington (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 212 | $8.1M | — |
| 2022 | 172 | $12.6M | +55% |
| 2023 | 169 | $14.5M | +16% |
| 2024 | 216 | $10.8M | -26% |
| 2025 | 262 | $14.4M | +33% |
| 5-Year Total | 1,031 | $60.4M | +78% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Washington residents aged 60 and older.
Washington ranks #11 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $14.4 million lost in 2025 across 262 reported victims. That represents 2.4% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +33%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Washington grew +78%.
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 Washington
- Office of the Washington Attorney General: (360) 753-6200 | atg.wa.gov
- Washington Adult Protective Services: (866) 363-4276
- 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)