Protecting Nevada Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 176 Nevada 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 Nevada Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Nevada’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Retirement destination: Nevada is a top retirement state with no state income tax, concentrating wealthy retirees that scammers actively target
- Entertainment culture: Las Vegas’s gambling culture can make seniors more comfortable with risk-taking, which scammers exploit with investment schemes
- Transient population: Nevada’s high turnover rate means many seniors live far from family and long-time friends, increasing isolation
- Desert isolation: Outside Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada is extremely rural and isolated, with seniors hours from the nearest services
- Rapid growth: Nevada’s booming senior population is outpacing fraud prevention and elder protection resources
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Nevada (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 93 | $7.4M | — |
| 2022 | 107 | $6.0M | -19% |
| 2023 | 97 | $3.6M | -39% |
| 2024 | 161 | $5.9M | +64% |
| 2025 | 176 | $6.7M | +13% |
| 5-Year Total | 634 | $29.7M | -10% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Nevada residents aged 60 and older.
Nevada ranks #28 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $6.7 million lost in 2025 across 176 reported victims. That represents 1.1% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +13%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Nevada 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 Nevada
- Office of the Nevada Attorney General: (775) 684-1100 | ag.nv.gov
- Nevada Aging and Disability Services: (888) 729-0571
- 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)