Romance Scams Targeting Florida Seniors
Florida seniors lost $36.5 million to romance scams in 2024. The Sunshine State’s large population of single seniors and widowed retirees makes it a prime hunting ground for romance scammers.
Why Florida Seniors Are Targeted for Romance Scams
Florida’s demographics create unique vulnerability to romance fraud:
- High widow/widower population: Many retirees moved to Florida with spouses who have since passed
- Active social scene: Senior singles events, cruises, and social clubs create dating culture
- Seasonal isolation: Snowbirds may be separated from family support networks
- Wealth and time: Retired seniors have both resources scammers want and time to form online relationships
- Caribbean proximity: Some romance scam operations target Florida specifically due to geographic connections
Florida-Specific Romance Scam Patterns
The “Cruise Ship Captain/Officer”: Given Florida’s cruise industry (Port of Miami, Port Everglades, Tampa), scammers frequently pose as cruise ship officers or crew who “met you on a voyage” or want to “visit when the ship docks.”
The “Florida Real Estate Developer”: Scammer claims to be a successful Miami or Palm Beach developer, building rapport over shared Florida pride before manufacturing a financial emergency.
The “Retired Military at MacDill”: Tampa’s MacDill Air Force Base is used as a cover story. Scammers claim to be widowed military officers stationed in Tampa, adding legitimacy to their fake identities.
The “Winter Escape” Scam: Scammers target seniors in northern states with promises of Florida romance, or target Florida residents claiming to be snowbirds from their home state.
The “Yacht Owner” Persona: In coastal communities from Key West to Jacksonville, scammers pose as wealthy yacht owners who need emergency funds for repairs, docking fees, or medical emergencies abroad.
How Romance Scams Develop
Romance scammers follow a predictable pattern:
- Contact: Initial contact through dating sites, social media, or even wrong number texts
- Grooming: Weeks or months of building emotional connection and trust
- Testing: Small requests to see if victim will send money
- Crisis: Manufactured emergency requiring immediate financial help
- Escalation: Repeated emergencies draining victim’s resources
Warning Signs of Romance Scams
- They can never video chat or meet in person
- The relationship moves unusually fast with intense declarations of love
- They claim to be working overseas, in the military, or on an oil rig
- Stories don’t add up or change over time
- They ask for money for emergencies, travel, or medical bills
- They want payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
Florida Support for Romance Scam Victims
If you’ve been victimized, help is available:
- Florida Adult Protective Services: (800) 962-2873
- Miami-Dade Elder Fraud Hotline: (786) 687-6550
- Florida Attorney General: (866) 966-7226
- Elder Helpline: (800) 963-5337 – Counseling and support referrals
- AARP Florida Fraud Helpline: (877) 908-3360
Protecting Yourself from Romance Scams
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person
- Do reverse image searches on profile photos
- Be suspicious of anyone who avoids video calls
- Tell trusted friends or family about online relationships
- Research their claims – verify military service, employers, etc.
- Trust your instincts if something feels wrong