Protecting Texas Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 899 Texas 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 Texas Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Texas’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Massive senior population: Texas has over 3.8 million residents 65+, the second-largest senior population in the U.S., creating an enormous target pool
- Oil and energy wealth: Texas retirees from the oil, gas, and energy sectors often have substantial retirement savings that attract investment scammers
- Border community targeting: Seniors along the Texas-Mexico border face bilingual scams exploiting immigration fears and cross-border family ties
- Rural isolation: Much of West and Central Texas is deeply rural, with seniors hours from the nearest consumer protection office or tech support
- Military retiree concentration: Major bases like Fort Cavazos and Joint Base San Antonio bring military retirees targeted by VA and benefits impersonation scams
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Texas (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 577 | $33.2M | — |
| 2022 | 506 | $35.1M | +6% |
| 2023 | 527 | $34.0M | -3% |
| 2024 | 692 | $36.5M | +7% |
| 2025 | 899 | $48.3M | +32% |
| 5-Year Total | 3,201 | $187.1M | +45% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Texas residents aged 60 and older.
Texas ranks #3 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $48.3 million lost in 2025 across 899 reported victims. That represents 7.9% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +32%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Texas grew +45%.
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 Texas
- Office of the Texas Attorney General: (512) 463-2100 | texasattorneygeneral.gov
- Texas Adult Protective Services: (800) 458-9858
- 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)