Protecting New Jersey Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 231 New Jersey 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 New Jersey Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
New Jersey’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Highest losses: New Jersey’s $249.8 million in elder fraud losses ranks among the highest in the nation, reflecting its wealthy senior population
- Dense population: As the most densely populated state, New Jersey seniors face a high volume of phone scams and unsolicited contacts
- Financial hub: Proximity to New York City and Wall Street makes investment scams sound more credible to New Jersey seniors
- Diverse communities: New Jersey’s diverse senior population includes immigrants targeted with language-specific scams
- High cost of living: New Jersey’s expensive cost of living creates financial pressure on seniors, making promises of returns more tempting
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in New Jersey (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 137 | $14.5M | — |
| 2022 | 138 | $7.1M | -51% |
| 2023 | 104 | $6.1M | -14% |
| 2024 | 149 | $7.8M | +27% |
| 2025 | 231 | $15.3M | +97% |
| 5-Year Total | 759 | $50.8M | +5% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for New Jersey residents aged 60 and older.
New Jersey ranks #8 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $15.3 million lost in 2025 across 231 reported victims. That represents 2.5% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +97% — significantly faster than the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in New Jersey grew +5%.
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 New Jersey
- Office of the New Jersey Attorney General: (609) 292-8740 | nj.gov/oag
- New Jersey Adult Protective Services: (877) 222-3737
- 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)