25+ tech support scam statistics — victim demographics, financial losses, most common tactics, reporting rates, and what makes older adults disproportionately vulnerable.
Tech support scams — fraudulent calls or pop-ups claiming your computer has a virus — are among the most financially devastating scams targeting older adults. These statistics document the scale, tactics, and human cost.
$924Mreported losses to tech support scams in the US in 2023
— FBI IC3, 2024
32,538tech support scam complaints filed with the FTC in 2023
— FTC, 2024
$28,476median loss per tech support scam victim — one of the highest of any fraud type
— FBI, 2024
7%of reported fraud cases — but 14% of total fraud losses — are tech support scams
— FBI IC3, 2024
60+age group representing 60% of tech support scam victims despite being 20% of population
— FBI, 2024
$33,000median loss for victims aged 70+ — highest of any age group
— FBI IC3, 2024
Menslightly more targeted than women (53% of victims)
— FTC, 2024
Home80% of tech support scam contacts happen via home computer/home phone
— FBI, 2024
#1fake pop-up warnings — 'Your computer has a virus, call Microsoft now'
— FTC, 2024
#2cold calls claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or internet provider
— FTC, 2024
#3search ad fraud — fake tech support websites appearing in Google ads
— FTC, 2024
Gift cardsdemanded in 30% of tech support scam payments — untraceable
— FTC, 2024
7%of tech support scam victims report the crime to authorities
— FBI, 2024
Microsoft/Applewill NEVER initiate contact to tell you about a computer problem
— Microsoft Security, 2024
1-877-382-4357FTC reporting line and reportfraud.ftc.gov — encouraged for all victims
— FTC, 2024
30%fewer victimizations among seniors who received scam awareness training
— AARP Fraud Watch, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tech support scams cost victims?
$924M in reported losses in 2023 (FBI IC3). The median loss is $28,476 per victim — one of the highest of any fraud type. Victims over 70 lose a median of $33,000. These figures represent only reported losses; actual totals are significantly higher due to underreporting.
Why are older adults targeted more?
Adults 60+ represent 60% of tech support scam victims while comprising 20% of the population (FBI). Several factors: greater likelihood of being home during the day, more valuable savings to drain, less familiarity with how tech companies actually communicate, and increased reliance on computer for health and financial tasks creates anxiety about 'virus alerts'.
What is the #1 rule to avoid tech support scams?
Microsoft, Apple, Google, and your internet provider will NEVER call you, email you, or show you a pop-up to tell you about a problem with your device and ask you to call a phone number or grant remote access. Any unsolicited contact claiming this is a scam. Hang up, close the window, and report to reportfraud.ftc.gov.