Protecting Wisconsin Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 189 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Wisconsin’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Midwestern trust: Wisconsin’s friendly, community-oriented culture means seniors are more likely to engage with and trust unknown callers
- Rural northern regions: Northern Wisconsin is deeply rural and isolated, with limited access to broadband and in-person services
- Manufacturing retirees: Wisconsin’s manufacturing and dairy industry retirees often have pension savings that scammers target
- Harsh winters: Wisconsin’s long, cold winters keep seniors homebound for months, increasing exposure to phone and online scams
- Aging demographics: Wisconsin’s senior population is growing rapidly, with the 65+ age group being the fastest-growing demographic
What This Scam Looks Like
Romance scammers invest weeks or months building emotional trust before asking for money. They create detailed fake identities, often posing as military personnel, doctors, or engineers working overseas. AI now enables scammers to generate unique profile photos that pass reverse image searches and even conduct deepfake video calls to “prove” their identity.
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in Wisconsin (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 124 | $5.0M | — |
| 2022 | 113 | $11.2M | +126% |
| 2023 | 96 | $2.9M | -74% |
| 2024 | 189 | $4.8M | +64% |
| 2025 | 189 | $7.0M | +45% |
| 5-Year Total | 711 | $30.9M | +42% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Wisconsin residents aged 60 and older.
Wisconsin ranks #27 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $7.0 million lost in 2025 across 189 reported victims. That represents 1.2% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +45% (national average: +46%). Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Wisconsin grew +42%.
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 Wisconsin
- Office of the Wisconsin Attorney General: (608) 266-1221 | doj.state.wi.us
- Wisconsin Adult Protective Services: (608) 266-2536
- 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)