By 1808Delaware
An online conversation begins. Messages become more frequent. Trust develops. Before long, someone who may never have met the person on the other end of the screen is being asked for money. It is a pattern that has cost victims enormous sums, and Ohio officials are launching a new effort aimed at interrupting it before the damage grows.
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson has announced a multi-pronged initiative designed to help Ohioans recognize romance scams, prevent financial losses, report suspected fraud and find assistance after a scam has begun.
At the center of the effort is a new dedicated hotline: 1-855-961-SCAM. The number is intended not only for people who believe they have been victimized, but also for family members and others who suspect someone they care about may be caught in a scam.
When Trust Becomes the Tool
Romance scammers typically create a false online identity and gradually develop what appears to be a genuine relationship with their target. Once trust has been established, requests for money begin. The financial consequences can be severe, but the emotional nature of the fraud can make intervention particularly difficult.
“Many victims don’t realize or don’t want to believe they’re being manipulated, that’s how good many of these scammers are,” Wilson said. “Our goal is to help families intervene sooner and prevent their loved ones from becoming victims.”
Older adults are frequent targets. According to information compiled by the Attorney General’s Office from FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center data, Americans age 60 and older reported losing $584 million to romance scams in 2025, a 50% increase from the previous year.
The actual losses are believed to be considerably higher because many victims never report what happened. Embarrassment can be part of the reason. Someone who realizes that a person they trusted never existed may be coping simultaneously with financial loss, humiliation and the emotional consequences of discovering that a relationship was fabricated from the beginning.
A Place For Families To Call
Under Ohio’s new initiative, calls to 1-855-961-SCAM will be handled through the Attorney General’s Constituent Services Section and coordinated with specialists throughout the office. Information provided by callers can be reviewed by forensic investigators with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation for indications of fraud.
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section can also provide victims and families with educational resources and guidance aimed at stopping additional financial losses and explaining available options.
When circumstances suggest that criminal laws may have been violated, cases may be referred to local law enforcement.
“No Ohioan should lose his or her life savings to someone pretending to care about them,” Wilson said. “These scammers are sophisticated, emotionally manipulative and, sadly, increasingly common.”
Even If You Aren’t Certain
One important element of the program is that families do not have to wait until they can prove a scam exists before seeking help. The Attorney General’s Office specifically encourages people to call when they believe a loved one may be targeted, even if they are unsure. That can be important in romance scams because the victim may still believe the relationship is genuine when family members begin noticing warning signs.
The state has also made available information explaining romance scams, common forms they take, ways to avoid becoming a victim and steps people can take after discovering they have been targeted.
Anyone who suspects a romance scam involving themselves or someone they know can call 1-855-961-SCAM. Additional information, warning signs and resources are available through the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at:
Source: Ohio Attorney General’s Office; Image by amrothman from Pixabay
