Protecting Georgia Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 264 Georgia 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 Georgia Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Georgia’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Rapid senior growth: Georgia’s 65-and-over population is among the fastest-growing in the nation, outpacing fraud prevention resources and education
- Urban-rural divide: While metro Atlanta has resources, rural Georgia — much of the state — lacks local tech support, financial advisors, and consumer protection offices
- Southern trust culture: Georgia’s culture of hospitality and respect for authority makes seniors more likely to engage with callers who sound official
- Military communities: Georgia’s major military installations bring retirees who are targeted by scammers impersonating VA and military benefits offices
- High loss amounts: With over $218 million in elder fraud losses reported in 2025, Georgia ranks among the hardest-hit states in the nation
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Georgia (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 175 | $7.5M | — |
| 2022 | 161 | $6.8M | -9% |
| 2023 | 179 | $10.6M | +56% |
| 2024 | 232 | $12.6M | +19% |
| 2025 | 264 | $15.3M | +21% |
| 5-Year Total | 1,011 | $52.8M | +104% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Georgia residents aged 60 and older.
Georgia ranks #9 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $15.3 million lost in 2025 across 264 reported victims. That represents 2.5% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +21%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Georgia grew +104%.
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 Georgia
- Office of the Georgia Attorney General: (404) 656-3300 | law.georgia.gov
- Georgia Adult Protective Services: (866) 552-4464
- 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)