Protecting Puerto Rico Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 22 Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Puerto Rico’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Language barrier: Spanish-speaking seniors may face language barriers when trying to verify English-language scam calls or access federal fraud reporting resources
- Island isolation: Puerto Rico’s island geography means seniors have limited access to mainland resources and in-person support
- Economic challenges: Puerto Rico’s ongoing economic difficulties mean many seniors live on very limited incomes, making financial scams more devastating
- Hurricane recovery exploitation: Scammers exploit disaster recovery programs, posing as FEMA or insurance representatives
- Family separation: Many Puerto Rican families have members on the mainland, leaving elderly relatives on the island more isolated and vulnerable
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Puerto Rico (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 24 | $1.1M | — |
| 2022 | 15 | $74K | -94% |
| 2023 | 19 | $441K | +496% |
| 2024 | 45 | $1.1M | +147% |
| 2025 | 22 | $142K | -87% |
| 5-Year Total | 125 | $2.9M | -88% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Puerto Rico residents aged 60 and older.
Puerto Rico ranks #51 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $141,550 lost in 2025 across 22 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -87%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Puerto Rico grew -88%.
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 Puerto Rico
- Office of the Puerto Rico Attorney General: (787) 721-2900 | justicia.gobierno.pr
- Puerto Rico Office of the Ombudsman for the Elderly: (787) 725-9420
- 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)