Protecting Iowa Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 91 Iowa 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 Iowa Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Iowa’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Rural isolation: Iowa is one of the most rural states in the Midwest, with many seniors living in small towns far from in-person support services
- Agricultural wealth: Iowa seniors with farming assets and land are targeted by scammers pushing fake agricultural investments and commodity deals
- Midwestern trust culture: Iowa’s friendly, community-minded culture means seniors are more likely to give callers the benefit of the doubt
- Aging demographics: Iowa has one of the highest percentages of residents over 65 in the Midwest, creating more potential targets
- Long winters: Iowa’s harsh winters keep seniors indoors for months, increasing time spent on phones and computers where scammers operate
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Iowa (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 44 | $2.0M | — |
| 2022 | 62 | $2.9M | +44% |
| 2023 | 54 | $1.1M | -63% |
| 2024 | 79 | $5.2M | +377% |
| 2025 | 91 | $6.2M | +20% |
| 5-Year Total | 330 | $17.5M | +207% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Iowa residents aged 60 and older.
Iowa ranks #29 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $6.2 million lost in 2025 across 91 reported victims. That represents 1.0% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +20%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Iowa grew +207%.
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 Iowa
- Office of the Iowa Attorney General: (515) 281-5926 | iowaattorneygeneral.gov
- Iowa Adult Protective Services: (800) 362-2178
- 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)