Romance Scams and Older Adults: A Health and Social Care Perspective

Sorinmade, Oluwatoyin ; Emmett, Charlotte ; Elugbadebo, Olufisayo ; Okolo, Chidera (2025) — Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine

DOI: 10.24966/ggm-8662/100265

Synopsis

The proliferation of online interaction has expanded opportunities for connection and encounter, alongside increasingly sophisticated forms of exploitation. This article centers on romance scams as a significant threat, with a focus on older adults as a particularly vulnerable segment. Digital platforms such as dating sites, social networks, and messaging services are described in relation to how they can facilitate rapid rapport, plausible narratives, and requests for funds. The discussion traces the general arc of such schemes—from initial contact and relationship-building to financial requests—without citing any specific cases or data points. The piece surveys risk factors that may heighten vulnerability among older adults, including social isolation, perceived companionship needs, and varying levels of trust in online environments. It considers how scammers adapt strategies to perceived weaknesses and how emotional investment can influence decision-making, all presented in descriptive terms rather than prescriptive advice. The article also examines the roles of media literacy, platform safeguards, and community awareness, offering a broad overview of mechanisms by which harm can unfold and persist. Consequences are described in general terms, noting financial losses, psychological distress, and potential physical harm that can accompany these scams. The synopsis outlines the range of impact on individuals, families, and communities—affecting autonomy, confidence in online services, and willingness to engage with digital platforms. The piece concludes with a broad look at policy, prevention, and support infrastructure, emphasizing the availability of resources and the need for coordinated responses while acknowledging the diversity of experiences among older adults.

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