Protecting West Virginia Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 101 West 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 West Virginia Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
West Virginia’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Oldest state by median age: West Virginia has one of the highest median ages in the nation, with over 20% of residents aged 65+
- Appalachian isolation: West Virginia’s mountainous terrain creates extreme geographic isolation for many senior residents
- High elderly poverty: West Virginia has one of the highest elderly poverty rates in the country, making seniors desperate and vulnerable
- Limited broadband: West Virginia ranks near the bottom nationally for broadband access, especially in rural mountain areas
- Coal retirees: Former coal industry workers often have pension and black lung benefit payments that scammers target
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in West Virginia (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 29 | $1.0M | — |
| 2022 | 36 | $1.6M | +48% |
| 2023 | 53 | $4.8M | +206% |
| 2024 | 62 | $1.3M | -72% |
| 2025 | 101 | $4.0M | +197% |
| 5-Year Total | 281 | $12.7M | +278% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for West Virginia residents aged 60 and older.
West Virginia ranks #37 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $4.0 million lost in 2025 across 101 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +197% — significantly faster than the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in West Virginia grew +278%.
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 West Virginia
- Office of the West Virginia Attorney General: (304) 558-2021 | wvago.gov
- West Virginia Adult Protective Services: (800) 352-6513
- 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)