Protecting Massachusetts Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 190 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Massachusetts’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Wealthy retirees: Massachusetts has one of the highest concentrations of wealth per capita, making its seniors attractive targets for investment and financial fraud
- Aging population: Massachusetts has a rapidly growing population over 65, with New England traditionally having older demographics than the national average
- Healthcare hub: As a major medical center, Massachusetts seniors may be targeted by scammers impersonating hospitals, insurance companies, or Medicare
- University town trust: Massachusetts’s educated population may feel “too smart” to be scammed, which itself creates vulnerability — scammers exploit overconfidence
- Cold winters: Long New England winters keep seniors indoors and online, increasing exposure to digital scams and phone fraud
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Massachusetts (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 124 | $10.1M | — |
| 2022 | 122 | $7.1M | -30% |
| 2023 | 97 | $2.6M | -64% |
| 2024 | 134 | $6.8M | +165% |
| 2025 | 190 | $8.7M | +29% |
| 5-Year Total | 667 | $35.1M | -14% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Massachusetts residents aged 60 and older.
Massachusetts ranks #22 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $8.7 million lost in 2025 across 190 reported victims. That represents 1.4% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +29%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Massachusetts grew -14%.
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 Massachusetts
- Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General: (617) 727-2200 | mass.gov/ago
- Massachusetts Adult Protective Services: (800) 922-2275
- 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)