Protecting Mississippi Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 86 Mississippi 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 Mississippi Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Mississippi’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Highest elderly poverty: Mississippi has the highest elderly poverty rate in the nation, making seniors especially vulnerable to financial promises
- Deep rural isolation: Mississippi is among the most rural states, with many seniors living far from in-person tech support or consumer protection offices
- Limited broadband: Mississippi ranks near the bottom nationally for broadband access, meaning many seniors have limited exposure to online fraud awareness
- Southern trust culture: Mississippi’s culture of hospitality and trust makes seniors more receptive to callers who sound helpful and authoritative
- Faith community targeting: Scammers exploit Mississippi’s strong church networks through affinity fraud schemes targeting congregations
What This Scam Looks Like
Romance scammers invest weeks or months building emotional trust before asking for money. They create detailed fake identities, often posing as military personnel, doctors, or engineers working overseas. AI now enables scammers to generate unique profile photos that pass reverse image searches and even conduct deepfake video calls to “prove” their identity.
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Mississippi (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 48 | $2.4M | — |
| 2022 | 33 | $943K | -60% |
| 2023 | 44 | $525K | -44% |
| 2024 | 47 | $1.9M | +270% |
| 2025 | 86 | $2.7M | +37% |
| 5-Year Total | 258 | $8.4M | +12% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Mississippi residents aged 60 and older.
Mississippi ranks #42 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $2.7 million lost in 2025 across 86 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed +37% (national average: +46%). Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Mississippi grew +12%.
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 Mississippi
- Office of the Mississippi Attorney General: (601) 359-3680 | ago.state.ms.us
- Mississippi Adult Protective Services: (800) 222-8000
- 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)