Protecting Seniors from Online Romance Scams: How to Recognize and Avoid Fraudsters

Online romance scams have become a concerning issue, particularly for seniors who often find themselves the targets of these deceitful acts. During the isolation brought on by the pandemic, the frequency Dating Scams ofvromance scams targeting seniors has surged significantly. Data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shows that in 2020, romance scams cost adults aged 60 and older a staggering $139 million, a sharp increase from $84 million the previous year.

In one particularly alarming case, a Holocaust survivor was victimized, losing nearly $3 million, according to a recently unsealed federal indictment in New York.

How do these romance scams work, and why are seniors a prime target? Let’s delve into the details to understand how these frauds operate and what you can do to protect yourself or your loved ones from becoming victims.

Understanding Online Romance Scams Online romance scams typically begin with a charming individual contacting the victim through a social media platform or dating app. The scammer often presents themselves as a professional working abroad, tugging at the victim’s heartstrings with emotional conversations to establish a bond quickly. Once a sense of intimacy is built, the scammer begins to request money from the victim, usually with elaborate stories or emergencies that require urgent financial assistance.

Photo by Thamyres Silva: https://www.pexels.com/photo/couple-romancing-on-the-stairs-17011339/

A real-life example is Kate Kleinert, 69, who fell victim to an online romance scam during the Covid-19 pandemic. After accepting a friend request from a seemingly attractive Norwegian doctor named Tony, she found herself manipulated into giving him $39,000 in gift cards. The consequences were devastating, as she lost her savings, her late husband’s life insurance, her pension, and her Social Security income.

Why Are Older Adults Targeted? While online scams affect people of all ages, seniors are more vulnerable to romance scams due to their higher financial stability. Scammers know that older individuals generally have more money to spare, making them lucrative targets. For instance, the FTC reported that the median loss from a romance scam for people aged 70 and older in 2021 was $9,000, significantly higher than the $2,400 median loss across all age groups.

This vulnerability is precisely why the woman charged with wire fraud in the case involving the Holocaust survivor managed to extract a staggering $2.8 million from her victim, an 87-year-old Manhattan man.

Can Dating Sites Be Held Liable? Dating sites and apps often become the platforms for these scams, but they are protected from liability under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. While individuals can be held legally liable if they willingly participate in fraud, holding online platforms accountable can be challenging due to this legal protection.

Despite the hurdles, Match Group, the operator of dating platforms like Match.com and Tinder, faced a lawsuit by the FTC in 2019, alleging that the company enabled fraudsters to pose as legitimate daters. Although the case was dismissed, Match Group launched a public awareness campaign to educate users about potential red flags.

Taking Action Against Online Romance Scams Recognizing and addressing romance scams can be challenging, as victims often become emotionally invested and resistant to believing they are being deceived. If you suspect that you or a loved one is involved in a romance scam, here are steps you can take:

1. Educate seniors about romance scams and red flags.
2. Encourage open communication between family members and seniors to discuss any potential concerns.
3. Report suspected scams to local law enforcement or the FTC.
4. Seek legal advice or assistance if necessary to intervene and protect the victim.

Romance scams can be emotionally and financially devastating, but with awareness and proactive measures, seniors can safeguard themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.