Safety & Scam Protection · Quick guide
Romance Scam Warning Signs Every Older Adult Should Know
Online connections can bring joy, but for older adults, they also bring risks. I'll share how to recognize romance scams and keep your heart and wallet safe.
By Suzy Ahn
My dears, forging new connections is one of life's great joys, especially as we age. The internet, with its dating apps, social media, and forums, has opened up incredible avenues for companionship, friendship, and even true love. I've seen it firsthand in my classes – the delight on a student's face when they share how they reconnected with an old friend on Facebook, or even started a sweet new relationship through an online dating platform. It's truly wonderful. However, with every marvel of technology, there's also a shadow side, and for older adults, that shadow can sometimes manifest as a romance scam. These are sophisticated, heartbreaking confidence tricks designed to exploit our desire for connection, and they can leave you financially devastated and emotionally shattered.
Watch & learn
Recommended video: Phishing Texts and Robocalls — Protect Yourself
A companion tutorial from FTC. We link to a YouTube search so you always get a current, working version.
Watch “Phishing Texts and Robocalls — Protect Yourself” on YouTubeOpens a YouTube search in a new tab · FTCKey takeaways
- Scammers often target older adults due to perceived loneliness and accumulated assets.
- Romance scams typically involve an accelerated relationship, intense declarations of love, and a request for money.
- Beware of profiles that are 'too perfect,' highly attractive, and claim to be in complex professions or military service.
- Never send money, gift cards, or personal financial information to someone you haven't met in person and truly trust.
- Always verify stories, look for inconsistencies, and talk to a trusted friend or family member before making financial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a romance scam?
- A romance scam is a type of online fraud where criminals create fake online identities to gain a victim's affection and trust, with the ultimate goal of extorting money or obtaining personal financial information.
- Why do scammers target older adults?
- Older adults are often targeted because they may be perceived as having more accumulated wealth, could be more susceptible to loneliness, and sometimes less familiar with intricate online fraud tactics.
- What should I do if I suspect I'm being scammed?
- Stop all contact immediately, do not send any more money, and report the scam to the FBI (IC3.gov), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC.gov), and the dating site or social media platform where you met the scammer. Talk to a trusted family member or friend.
- Is it safe to use online dating sites?
- Yes, online dating can be safe and rewarding if you proceed with caution. Always be vigilant for red flags, never share private financial information, and prioritize meeting in public places only after you've established genuine trust and verified their identity.
- Can I get my money back if I've been scammed?
- It can be extremely difficult to recover money lost to romance scams, as the funds are often sent overseas or quickly laundered. However, reporting the scam to authorities as soon as possible is crucial, as is contacting your bank or credit card company immediately if you sent money through those channels.
