Protecting Colorado Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 187 Colorado 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 Colorado Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Colorado’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Wealthy retiree population: Colorado’s desirable retirement communities attract affluent seniors, making them prime targets for investment scams
- Mountain isolation: Seniors living in mountain towns and rural western Colorado face limited access to in-person services and tech support
- Rapid population growth: Colorado’s senior population is among the fastest-growing in the nation, outpacing fraud prevention resources
- Military and veterans: Colorado’s large military presence includes many retirees targeted by scammers impersonating VA and military benefits offices
- Active lifestyle assumptions: Colorado’s active, outdoors-oriented culture can create a false sense of security — seniors may feel “too savvy” to be scammed
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Colorado (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 155 | $12.8M | — |
| 2022 | 120 | $8.2M | -36% |
| 2023 | 120 | $7.3M | -11% |
| 2024 | 178 | $9.7M | +33% |
| 2025 | 187 | $11.8M | +22% |
| 5-Year Total | 760 | $49.7M | -8% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Colorado residents aged 60 and older.
Colorado ranks #19 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $11.8 million lost in 2025 across 187 reported victims. That represents 1.9% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +22%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Colorado grew -8%.
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 Colorado
- Office of the Colorado Attorney General: (720) 508-6000 | coag.gov
- Colorado Adult Protective Services: (844) 643-3663
- 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)