Protecting Wyoming Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 26 Wyoming 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 Wyoming Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Wyoming’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Least populated state: Wyoming is the least populated state in the nation, with many seniors living in extreme geographic isolation
- Energy wealth: Wyoming’s oil, gas, and coal industries have created retirees with substantial savings that investment scammers target
- Vast distances: Seniors in rural Wyoming may be hours from the nearest town, making in-person help nearly impossible to access
- Harsh winters: Wyoming’s severe winters and high altitude keep seniors homebound for extended periods, increasing scam exposure
- Independent culture: Wyoming’s fiercely independent culture means seniors may resist seeking help or admitting they’ve been scammed
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 Wyoming (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 25 | $1.5M | — |
| 2022 | 14 | $296K | -80% |
| 2023 | 11 | $120K | -59% |
| 2024 | 19 | $709K | +490% |
| 2025 | 26 | $334K | -53% |
| 5-Year Total | 95 | $3.0M | -78% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Wyoming residents aged 60 and older.
Wyoming ranks #50 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $334,294 lost in 2025 across 26 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -53%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Wyoming grew -78%.
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 Wyoming
- Office of the Wyoming Attorney General: (307) 777-7841 | attorneygeneral.wyo.gov
- Wyoming Adult Protective Services: (855) 803-8880
- 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)