Loneliness Fuels Romance Scams | Tulsa News

Tulsa News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 16, 2026 · 1m

Romance scams are exploding, with over 49,000 Americans ripped off last year for a staggering $1.3 billion — likely even more than reported. The pandemic’s isolation left deep scars, and loneliness still grips millions worldwide. Humans crave connection — it’s as vital as food or water. When that need goes unmet, people can fall prey to deception, even if they know something’s off. Victims like Jean Booth feel trapped not just by the scam, but by the terror of returning to solitude. Shame and stigma only deepen the pain, leaving many feeling like their world has collapsed — and utterly lost…