Protecting Florida Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 1,019 Florida 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 Florida Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Florida’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Retirement capital of the U.S.: Florida has the highest percentage of residents 65+ in the continental U.S., with entire communities of retirees concentrated in target-rich areas
- Transplant isolation: Many Florida seniors moved from other states, leaving behind family support networks that would normally catch scams early
- Hurricane and disaster scams: Florida’s annual hurricane season brings waves of scammers impersonating FEMA, contractors, and insurance companies after every storm
- Snowbird vulnerability: Part-time residents who split time between states may miss fraud alerts, bank notices, and mail-based scams at their Florida address
- Wealth concentration: Florida’s lack of state income tax attracts wealthy retirees, making the state a prime hunting ground for investment and financial fraud
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Florida (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 704 | $47.2M | — |
| 2022 | 697 | $37.8M | -20% |
| 2023 | 589 | $41.8M | +11% |
| 2024 | 806 | $36.5M | -13% |
| 2025 | 1,019 | $52.1M | +43% |
| 5-Year Total | 3,815 | $215.3M | +10% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Florida residents aged 60 and older.
Florida ranks #2 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $52.1 million lost in 2025 across 1,019 reported victims. That represents 8.6% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +43% (national average: +46%). Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Florida grew +10%.
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 Florida
- Office of the Florida Attorney General: (850) 414-3300 | myfloridalegal.com
- Florida Adult Protective Services: (800) 962-2873
- 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)