Protecting Michigan Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 280 Michigan 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 Michigan Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Michigan’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Large senior population: Michigan has over 1.8 million residents aged 65 and older, ranking among the top 10 states for senior population
- Auto industry retirees: Michigan’s large base of auto industry retirees often have pension and retirement savings that make them prime targets for investment scams
- Rural Upper Peninsula: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is extremely rural and isolated, with seniors facing limited access to in-person support services
- Harsh winters: Long Michigan winters, especially in the northern regions, keep seniors homebound and more exposed to phone and online scams
- Economic hardship: Decades of economic challenges in parts of Michigan mean many seniors live on tight budgets, making them more vulnerable to financial promises
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Michigan (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 220 | $7.1M | — |
| 2022 | 181 | $8.6M | +21% |
| 2023 | 181 | $8.7M | +0% |
| 2024 | 245 | $8.2M | -6% |
| 2025 | 280 | $9.0M | +10% |
| 5-Year Total | 1,107 | $41.5M | +26% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Michigan residents aged 60 and older.
Michigan ranks #21 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $9.0 million lost in 2025 across 280 reported victims. That represents 1.5% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +10%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Michigan grew +26%.
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 Michigan
- Office of the Michigan Attorney General: (517) 373-1110 | michigan.gov/ag
- Michigan Adult Protective Services: (855) 444-3911
- 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)