Protecting Montana Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 75 Montana 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 Montana Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Montana’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Vast rural distances: Montana is the 4th-largest state by area with only 1 million people — many seniors live hours from the nearest city or tech support
- Aging ranching communities: Montana’s agricultural seniors often have significant land and savings that attract investment scammers
- Limited broadband: Much of rural Montana lacks reliable internet, reducing seniors’ awareness of online fraud prevention
- Independent culture: Montana’s fiercely independent culture means seniors may try to handle suspicious situations alone rather than seeking help
- Long winters: Harsh Montana winters isolate seniors in remote areas for months, increasing vulnerability to phone and online scams
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Montana (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 35 | $1.3M | — |
| 2022 | 38 | $1.1M | -9% |
| 2023 | 31 | $1.1M | -7% |
| 2024 | 44 | $2.3M | +115% |
| 2025 | 75 | $12.5M | +447% |
| 5-Year Total | 223 | $18.3M | +898% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Montana residents aged 60 and older.
Montana ranks #16 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $12.5 million lost in 2025 across 75 reported victims. That represents 2.1% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +447% — significantly faster than the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Montana grew +898%.
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 Montana
- Office of the Montana Attorney General: (406) 444-2026 | dojmt.gov
- Montana Adult Protective Services: (844) 277-9300
- 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)