Protecting Kentucky Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 167 Kentucky 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 Kentucky Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Kentucky’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Appalachian isolation: Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian communities face extreme geographic isolation, limited broadband, and few local resources for scam prevention
- High elderly poverty: Kentucky has one of the highest elderly poverty rates in the nation, making seniors more vulnerable to financial promises
- Rural population: Over 41% of Kentuckians live in rural areas with limited access to in-person tech help and financial advisors
- Southern trust culture: Kentucky’s warm, hospitable culture means seniors are more likely to engage with callers who sound polite and authoritative
- Coal industry retirees: Retirees from Kentucky’s coal and manufacturing industries often have pension savings that scammers target with investment schemes
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Kentucky (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 93 | $5.3M | — |
| 2022 | 77 | $3.2M | -40% |
| 2023 | 56 | $1.8M | -44% |
| 2024 | 104 | $3.9M | +119% |
| 2025 | 167 | $4.8M | +23% |
| 5-Year Total | 497 | $19.1M | -10% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Kentucky residents aged 60 and older.
Kentucky ranks #31 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $4.8 million lost in 2025 across 167 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed +23%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Kentucky 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 Kentucky
- Office of the Kentucky Attorney General: (502) 696-5300 | ag.ky.gov
- Kentucky Adult Protective Services: (800) 752-6200
- 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)