Tech support scam statistics 2026 reveal a persistent senior-targeted threat. Adults 60 and older reported $159 million in tech support scam losses in 2024, within $2.4 billion in total 2024 fraud losses. Older adults remain more than six times as likely as young adults to lose money to these scams. The data below come from FTC reports through 2024 and include senior internet usage statistics for context.
Money lost to tech support scams is not just a dollar total. It reflects how scammers use pop-ups, phone calls, and fake security alerts to isolate older users. Median losses for consumers 80 and older reached $1,600 or more in 2024. For many fixed-income seniors, that is a full budget week. The jump from about $600 million in reported older adult fraud losses in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024 shows acceleration. This matters because more seniors now manage finances and device issues on smartphones. See older adult smartphone statistics for adoption data. FTC reporting shows these crimes are underreported, so actual losses are likely higher.
The 117% rise in tech support scam losses in 2022 over 2021 pushed the annual total to $159 million. When the same nominal figure appeared again in 2024, the trend did not reverse; it consolidated at a high level. Gift cards remain a frequently reported payment method. Once a victim reads a gift card code to a caller, tracing funds is extremely difficult. That is why the pause before payment is more important than any technical fix. Programs that improve digital literacy statistics can help seniors pause before acting. AARP research offers additional scam prevention guidance for adults 50-plus.
Tech Support Scam Losses and Senior Risk
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $159 million | Older consumers reported $159 million in tech support scam losses in 2024. | FTC, Protecting Older Consumers 2024-2025 |
| 117% | Tech support scam losses rose 117% in 2022 over 2021, reaching $159 million. | FTC, Protecting Older Consumers 2022-2023 |
| 6x | Adults 60+ are more than six times as likely as young adults to lose money to tech support scams. | FTC, Protecting Older Consumers 2022-2023 |
Broader Fraud Losses for Adults 60+
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $2.4 billion | Older adults 60+ reported $2.4 billion in total fraud losses in 2024, roughly four times the $600 million reported in 2020. | FTC, Protecting Older Consumers 2024-2025 |
Median Losses and Estimated Total Fraud Cost
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $1,600+ | Median fraud loss for consumers 80+ in 2024. | FTC, Protecting Older Consumers 2024-2025 |
| $1,750 | Median fraud loss for consumers 80+ in 2022. | FTC, Protecting Older Consumers reports |
| $61.5 billion | FTC estimated total fraud cost to older consumers could be as high as $61.5 billion in 2023. | FTC annual reports to Congress |
| $48 billion | FTC estimated total fraud cost to older consumers as high as $48 billion in 2022. | FTC annual reports to Congress |
Payment Method Red Flag
| Stat | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Gift cards | Gift cards remain a frequently reported payment method in tech support scams. | FTC, Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2024 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did adults 60+ lose to tech support scams in 2024?
Adults 60 and older reported $159 million in tech support scam losses in 2024. This figure comes from FTC complaint data. It likely undercounts the true total because many victims do not report.
Why are older adults targeted more often in tech support scams?
FTC data show adults 60+ are more than six times as likely as young adults to lose money to tech support scams. Scammers assume older users may be less familiar with pop-up warnings and remote access tools. The result is a higher rate of monetary loss.
What payment methods do tech support scammers use?
Gift cards are a frequently reported payment method in tech support scams. Scammers often ask victims to buy cards from specific retailers and read the codes. This makes recovery almost impossible after the code is shared.
What was the trend in tech support scam losses before 2024?
Tech support scam losses rose 117% in 2022 compared with 2021, reaching $159 million for older adults. The same $159 million figure appeared again in 2024. That suggests losses stayed elevated rather than falling after the 2022 spike.
What can seniors do to avoid tech support scams?
Do not call numbers in pop-up warnings. Legitimate tech companies do not request payment by gift card. If a caller claims your computer is infected, hang up and contact the company through its official website. More guidance appears in digital literacy statistics and senior internet usage statistics.
