{"id":28839,"date":"2025-11-05T13:29:17","date_gmt":"2025-11-05T21:29:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spokeo.com\/compass\/?p=28839"},"modified":"2025-11-05T13:36:53","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T21:36:53","slug":"is-my-moms-new-boyfriend-scamming-her","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spokeo.com\/compass\/is-my-moms-new-boyfriend-scamming-her\/","title":{"rendered":"Is My Mom’s New Boyfriend Scamming Her? Dealing With A Romance Scammer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Romance scams continue to proliferate, with scammers targeting more people than ever before – and often getting away with thousands of dollars and more.\u00a0 Older people are particularly at risk for very specific reasons, and Lloyds Banking Group<\/a> notes that in the U.K., at least, those ages 65 to 74 were most likely to be targeted.\u00a0 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)<\/a> says most of these scams originate in countries like Nigeria and Ghana, but scammers can base themselves anywhere if their scams are online.\u00a0 The targets are often lonely people; the New York Times<\/em><\/a> noted that pandemic isolation saw a massive jump in romance scams as people desperate for connection took to dating apps and other services to find others to talk to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, romance scams<\/a> are among the hardest to deal with as not only do they really undermine your ability to trust others, but they’re also so “final” for many.\u00a0 Law enforcement is often unable to get your money back, so you have to be vigilant to ensure you don’t fall prey.\u00a0 And if you’ve got a parent or older relative who you think might be sinking into a scam relationship, you’ve got to take action.\u00a0 Not only can these scams be financially and emotionally devastating, but legally destructive as well. The New York Times<\/em> reported that one 81-year-old victim was convinced by her romance scammer to act as a money mule, which ended with her being charged with felonies and being sentenced to probation.\u00a0 If your mother or another older person in your circle is the target of a romance scammer, take steps to protect them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Are Older People Targeted So Much?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People of all ages can fall victim to different scams, but romance scams are a major problem for older adults, who tend to be more isolated as their adult children are out of the house, and their spouses are now either exes or are deceased.\u00a0 Older adults tend to have fewer friends and aren’t part of an extended community; RBC Wealth Management<\/a> says older women can be more vulnerable as they are more likely to be stressed from caregiving and also more likely to outlive partners.\u00a0 That doesn’t mean men are targets; they frequently are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Older adults are more likely to have wealth compared to younger generations, too.\u00a0 USA Today<\/em><\/a> reported that a 2023 study found that baby boomers had about 52.8 percent of the wealth in the U.S., while millennials had only 5.7 percent.\u00a0 Dollar-wise, the silent generation had a total net worth of $18,476,066; boomers had a total net worth of $77,113,826; and Gen-Xers had a total net worth of $42,034,104.\u00a0 Having access to so much money and equity in homes, especially if a spouse has just died, makes older people very attractive marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those over 65 have access to Medicare, and that Medicare number can be an avenue for fraud<\/a>.\u00a0 Gaining someone’s Medicare number can allow a scammer to use that for identity theft, similar to how one might use a Social Security number to steal an identity and benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company Medical Guardian<\/a> notes that pressure and knowledge may also be contributing factors.\u00a0 While many older people stay up to date on the latest technologies, many others don’t.\u00a0 That allows scammers to take advantage of them using things like AI deepfakes.\u00a0 Older adults are less likely to report being scammed out of embarrassment, too, and out of a fear that their family will consider them incompetent and unable to remain independent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind these scams can pop up anywhere.\u00a0 Your mom might not have social media or be on a dating app, but if she’s playing online games<\/a> or involved with any other online platform that allows users to communicate with each other, she’s at risk of being contacted by a scammer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Warning Signs That the New Romance Isn’t for Real<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, your mom (or dad, or other older friend or relative) has a new flame, and they met the flame online.  That doesn’t automatically mean the person is a scammer.  And if your parent or friend is incredibly happy with developments, that’s not a sign a scam is taking place, either. But there are clues that hint that whoever your parent mighh be talking to is not really who they say they are.  If you’re worried about that, it’s time to have a friendly conversation and find out more about what your parent knows about this person. Look for these signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n