Protecting Maryland Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 179 Maryland 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 Maryland Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Maryland’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Federal employee retirees: Maryland’s proximity to Washington, D.C. means a large population of federal retirees targeted by scammers impersonating government agencies
- High-value targets: Maryland has one of the highest median household incomes in the nation, making its seniors prime targets for investment fraud
- Diverse population: Maryland’s diverse senior community includes immigrants who may be targeted with language-specific scams or threats about immigration status
- Urban-rural contrast: While the Baltimore-Washington corridor has resources, rural western Maryland and the Eastern Shore lack local consumer protection services
- Military communities: Major military installations bring retirees who are targeted by scammers impersonating VA and military benefits offices
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Maryland (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 158 | $8.2M | — |
| 2022 | 120 | $10.5M | +28% |
| 2023 | 105 | $5.3M | -49% |
| 2024 | 161 | $4.4M | -17% |
| 2025 | 179 | $8.0M | +81% |
| 5-Year Total | 723 | $36.4M | -2% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Maryland residents aged 60 and older.
Maryland ranks #24 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $8.0 million lost in 2025 across 179 reported victims. That represents 1.3% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +81% — significantly faster than the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Maryland grew -2%.
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 Maryland
- Office of the Maryland Attorney General: (410) 576-6300 | oag.maryland.gov
- Maryland Adult Protective Services: (800) 917-7383
- 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)