Most LGBTQ+ Adults Are Aware of Online Fraud Risk But Less Aware of Ways to Protect Themselves

The vast majority (96 percent) of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) adults are worried about the possibility of an online scam or fraud. About 28 percent say they (10 percent) or someone they know has experienced a romance scam, and 67 percent of those targeted had money stolen in the scam.  

These figures are based on a nationally representative survey of LGBTQ+ adults designed to assess their experience with and awareness of fraud. Its findings are summarized in the AARP report “LGBTQ+ Fraud Risk & Awareness.” About 9 percent of U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ+, according to a 2025 Gallup poll.

The survey suggests that the LGBTQ+ community is highly engaged with online communication tools such as messaging apps and social media, and 41 percent make purchases through ads posted on social media. Digital engagement is a positive thing, notes Kathy Stokes, senior director of AARP’s fraud prevention programs, “but it does come with risks.” She points to the high proportion of respondents — 29 percent — who reported having experienced fraud through an online ad. 

Many also don’t have strong knowledge of ways to shore up their defenses, says Stokes, “which elevates that risk.”

Other findings from the report

• More than one-third of respondents who were scam victims did not report the incident anywhere. That’s not unusual: Many victims aren’t sure how or where to report scams. (See our guide on how to do so.) They also may feel shame or embarrassment, making them reluctant to share their experiences. 
• Nearly 1 in 5 respondents (17 percent) who used a P2P (peer to peer) platform like Venmo or Zelle in the past year have been targeted by a scam on those apps.
• 94 percent agree that lawmakers need to do more to protect consumers from fraud and scams.

Awareness about some fraud facts is high among most members of the LGBTQ+ community:  

• 75 percent know that it’s not safe to pay for a vacation rental outside the app.
• 70 percent are aware that being directed to convert cash into cryptocurrency at a kiosk is a scam.
• 69 percent are aware that when someone asks for payment by gift card or cryptocurrency, that’s a red flag for a scam.