Protecting Ohio Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 383 Ohio 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 Ohio Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Ohio’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Large senior population: Ohio has over 2 million residents aged 65+, ranking 7th nationally and creating a massive target pool for scammers
- Rust Belt economics: Decades of economic transition in many Ohio communities mean seniors may have limited savings and be more vulnerable to financial promises
- Rural Appalachian areas: Southeast Ohio’s Appalachian region faces extreme isolation, poverty, and limited broadband access
- Midwestern trust: Ohio’s friendly culture means seniors are more likely to engage with callers who sound helpful and authoritative
- Manufacturing retirees: Ohio’s large base of manufacturing and auto industry retirees have pension savings that scammers target
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Ohio (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 201 | $8.2M | — |
| 2022 | 199 | $12.6M | +54% |
| 2023 | 216 | $10.3M | -18% |
| 2024 | 303 | $11.6M | +13% |
| 2025 | 383 | $12.1M | +5% |
| 5-Year Total | 1,302 | $54.8M | +49% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Ohio residents aged 60 and older.
Ohio ranks #18 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $12.1 million lost in 2025 across 383 reported victims. That represents 2.0% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +5%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Ohio grew +49%.
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 Ohio
- Office of the Ohio Attorney General: (614) 466-4320 | ohioattorneygeneral.gov
- Ohio Adult Protective Services: (855) 642-4453
- 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)