Romance scams target Carolina seniors: How families can protect their loved ones

Romance scams are on the rise across South Carolina, and older adults are among the most frequent targets. In 2024 alone, romance scams resulted in $15.1 million in losses in South Carolina, with 50% of the victims over the age of 60. That's a 54% increase from the previous year.

If you've started to worry that an elderly parent or aging relative may be caught up in something suspicious, you're right to trust your gut. It's incredibly frustrating to watch someone you care about be manipulated, especially by someone preying on their trust and kindness. This blog post will help you recognize the red flags of romance scams, understand why older adults may be especially vulnerable, and learn what steps to take if you suspect something isn't right.

Why older adults are frequent targets

These cons typically begin online through dating apps, social media, or seemingly innocent emails. Scammers build trust and emotional connections over time, eventually asking for money under false pretenses. For families, it can be heartbreaking to see a parent or grandparent pulled into something so deceptive.

Older adults are often targeted for a few key reasons:

• They're less familiar with digital scams. Many are newer to online platforms and less likely to recognize phishing, spoofing, or fake profiles.
• They're often trusting and polite. Scammers take advantage of kindness, especially in individuals who are isolated or lonely.
• They may be managing money alone. A spouse may have passed away, or adult children may live far away, leaving them to make financial decisions without input or oversight.

Fraudsters rely on this vulnerability, using emotional manipulation to gain trust and create urgency.

Prevention: Protecting your loved ones before scams start

The best defense against romance scams is prevention. While you can't monitor every online interaction, there are practical steps families can take to reduce vulnerability:

Set up digital safeguards:

• Help adjust privacy settings on social media accounts to limit contact from strangers
• Review friend/follower lists periodically and remove unknown contacts
• Enable two-factor authentication on email and financial accounts

Establish family communication:

• Have regular, non-judgmental conversations about online activities and new relationships
• Create an understanding that it's normal to discuss financial decisions with trusted family members
• Encourage your loved one to introduce you to new people in their life, even online friends

Teach red flags to watch for:

• Profiles with only one or two professional-looking photos (often stock images)
• Individuals who avoid phone calls or video chats
• People who claim to travel frequently, work overseas, or have limited communication windows
• Anyone who quickly professes love or asks personal questions about finances

Stay involved without being intrusive:

• Offer to help with online dating profile setup or review potential matches together
• Be available for questions about suspicious messages or requests
• Consider setting up account alerts on financial accounts for unusual activity

Signs a loved one may be caught in a digital romance scheme

Almost all romance scams follow familiar patterns. If you're concerned about a parent, grandparent, or other elderly loved one, watch for subtle shifts in behavior that might signal something's off.

Common signs include:

• Talking about a new online relationship with someone they've never met in person
• Becoming secretive about financial decisions or sudden money transfers
• Mentioning a romantic partner who lives overseas or frequently travels for work
• Feeling pressured to wire money, buy gift cards, or help with travel expenses

You may notice inconsistencies in their stories or sense that they're hiding something. Trust your instincts—many family members recognize warning signs before the person involved is ready to admit what's happening.

What to do if you suspect a scam

If something feels off, don't wait. Romance scams can escalate quickly, and early intervention is crucial for limiting damage. Here's your step-by-step action plan:

Take immediate protective steps:

• Contact your loved one's bank or credit union to alert them of potential fraud
• If money has already been sent, ask about stopping or reversing transactions (act within 24-48 hours for best chances)
• Encourage them to stop all communication with the suspected scammer immediately

Document everything:

• Save screenshots of all messages, emails, and social media conversations
• Record phone numbers, email addresses, and social media profiles involved
• Keep receipts from any money transfers, gift cards, or other payments
• Note dates, times, and amounts of all suspicious requests or transactions

Start a compassionate conversation:

• Approach with empathy, not judgment (remember, they're the victim of a crime)
• Ask gentle questions and express concern for their well-being
• Listen without saying "I told you so" or making them feel foolish
• Reassure them that scammers are sophisticated and anyone can be targeted

Report and seek professional help:

• File a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov
• Contact local law enforcement if significant money has been lost
• Consider involving a licensed private investigator who can help trace communications, verify identities, and gather evidence for potential recovery efforts

Support the emotional recovery:

• Understand that your loved one may feel embarrassed, violated, or heartbroken
• Help them reconnect with legitimate social activities and trusted friends
• Be patient (recovery from emotional manipulation takes time)
• Consider counseling or support groups for scam victims if needed

Professional investigators can often uncover details about scammers that families can't access on their own, including tracing digital footprints and coordinating with authorities when these scams operate across state lines.

Don't wait until it's too late

Romance scams can leave lasting damage, but they can also be interrupted with the right steps. Early action protects your loved one's finances, well-being, and dignity. Even if things have already progressed, it's never too late to intervene and seek help.

Our licensed investigators have helped numerous Carolina families document romance scams, trace fraudulent communications, and work with law enforcement to build cases for potential recovery. We understand the sensitive nature of these situations and provide discreet, professional support when families need it most.

If you're concerned about a loved one's online relationship or need experienced help investigating suspicious activity, contact Davis & Forest Investigative Group today. Don't let scammers prey on the people you care about most.

‍