Protecting Minnesota Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 177 Minnesota 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 Minnesota Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Minnesota’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Minnesota Nice: Minnesota’s famously friendly culture makes seniors more likely to stay on the phone with scammers and give them the benefit of the doubt
- Harsh winters: Long, brutal Minnesota winters keep seniors homebound for months, dramatically increasing time spent on phones and computers
- Rural northern regions: Northern Minnesota is extremely rural with limited broadband, leaving seniors isolated and less aware of online scam tactics
- Scandinavian stoicism: Cultural tendencies toward self-reliance mean Minnesota seniors may be reluctant to admit they’ve been targeted or ask for help
- Significant wealth: Minnesota’s strong economy and pension systems mean many retirees have substantial savings that attract investment scammers
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Minnesota (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 118 | $5.6M | — |
| 2022 | 105 | $5.4M | -3% |
| 2023 | 98 | $6.4M | +18% |
| 2024 | 138 | $6.3M | -1% |
| 2025 | 177 | $8.0M | +26% |
| 5-Year Total | 636 | $31.8M | +42% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Minnesota residents aged 60 and older.
Minnesota ranks #25 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $8.0 million lost in 2025 across 177 reported victims. That represents 1.3% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +26%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Minnesota grew +42%.
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 Minnesota
- Office of the Minnesota Attorney General: (651) 296-3353 | ag.state.mn.us
- Minnesota Adult Protective Services: (844) 880-1574
- 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)