Protect Your Heart and Wallet: Romance Scams in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania seniors lost $19,302,412 to romance scams in 2024. These devastating scams target widows, widowers, and anyone seeking companionship online.
Romance Scams in the Keystone State
Pennsylvania’s $19.3 million in romance scam losses reflects our demographics:
- High widow/widower rate: Pennsylvania has many seniors who lost spouses from older industrial workforce
- Spread-out families: Adult children often move away for jobs, leaving seniors isolated
- Seasonal isolation: Harsh winters keep many seniors indoors and online
- Conservative culture: Embarrassment prevents many from discussing online dating with family
Pennsylvania-Specific Romance Scam Patterns
The “Pennsylvania Dutch Country” Connection: Scammer claims Lancaster County heritage or Amish background to establish trust with rural Pennsylvania victims.
The “Pittsburgh Steel Executive”: Fake persona claims to be retired steel industry executive, builds connection over shared industrial heritage.
The “Philadelphia Eagles Fan”: Scammers research local sports to build false rapport, using Eagles, Steelers, or Phillies fandom as connection points.
Pennsylvania Support Resources for Romance Scam Victims
- CARIE (Philadelphia): (215) 545-5728 – counseling and support
- Philadelphia Corporation for Aging: (215) 765-9040
- Allegheny County AAA (Pittsburgh): (412) 661-1438
- Pennsylvania 211: Dial 211 for local support groups
- PA Crime Victims Compensation: (800) 233-2339
Why Pennsylvania Seniors Are Targeted
Scammers target Pennsylvania seniors because many are:
- Living alone after losing a spouse
- Seeking connection and companionship
- Active on social media and dating sites
- Comfortable financially with retirement savings
Scammers exploit these factors ruthlessly.
The Romance Scam Timeline
Week 1-2: First contact with compliments and attention
Week 2-4: Intense communication, expressions of love
Week 4-8: Trust building, excuses for not meeting in person
Week 8+: Crisis and request for money
Warning Signs of a Romance Scam
- Falls in love very quickly
- Cannot meet in person – always excuses
- Asks for money for any reason
- Profile seems too perfect
- Wants to move off dating platform quickly
- Requests wire transfers or gift cards
Step-by-Step: How to Verify Someone Online
Step 1: Reverse Image Search
- Save their profile photo
- Go to images.google.com
- Upload the photo
- If it appears elsewhere with different names – it is stolen
Step 2: Video Call Test
- Insist on live video calls
- Watch for unnatural movements (could be deepfake AI)
- If they always have technical problems – be suspicious
Step 3: The Golden Rule
Never send money to someone you have not met in person.
Support Resources in Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia Corporation for Aging: (215) 765-9040
- PA Department of Aging: (800) 490-8505
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: (833) 372-8311
Report Romance Scams
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- PA Attorney General: (866) 623-2137
Free Training Available
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