FBI: Tech Support Scams Cost Seniors $1 Billion in 2025

Tech support scam losses among seniors passed $1 billion in 2025. Tech support scams are one of the most expensive frauds aimed at older Americans. In its 2025 annual report, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) said people 60 and older filed 21,333 complaints about tech and customer support scams and reported losses of more than $1 billion — about $1.04 billion in a single year.

That was up from roughly $982 million reported by the same age group in 2024. Only investment fraud cost older adults more in 2025. And because many people never report a scam, the real losses are likely higher.

How do tech support scams usually start?

Most tech-support scams begin with a fright. A warning suddenly fills your screen and will not close. An email says you were charged hundreds of dollars to renew a security subscription you never ordered. Or the phone rings and a polite caller says they are from a well-known company and have detected a problem with your computer.

Every version has one thing in common: a phone number to call, or a person already on the line, ready to “help.”

EXAMPLE — SCAM

Today 10:03 AM●●● ▮

From: Billing Department <billing@secure-renewals.example.com>

Subject: Your annual protection plan was renewed: $399.99

Dear Customer,

Thank you for renewing your 3-device protection plan. Your account has been charged $399.99 today.

If you did not authorize this charge, you must call our cancellation desk within 24 hours at (888) 555-0163 to receive a full refund.

What happens after someone calls the scammers?

The person who answers is friendly and patient. They ask you to download a program so they can see your screen. Once connected, they may show you harmless system messages and claim they are proof of a virus or a hacker.

From there, the story often grows. The FTC describes callers who claim your accounts have been hacked or your name is linked to a serious crime, then transfer you to someone pretending to be from your bank or a government agency. You may be told to withdraw cash, buy gold, or move your savings to a “safe” account. Some scammers fake a refund, claim they “accidentally” sent you too much, and ask you to send the difference back.

The FTC has found that scammers try to keep people on the phone the whole time, both to create a sense of urgency and so there is no chance to talk with a friend or relative who might recognize the trick.

Do real tech companies ever contact you about a virus?

No. According to the FTC, legitimate tech companies do not call, email or text you to say there is a problem with your computer, and real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number. No genuine company or government agency will tell you to move money to protect it.

If you are worried about your computer, contact the company yourself using a phone number or website you already trust, or ask a knowledgeable friend or family member to take a look.

How can you protect a parent from tech support scams?

If you help an older parent with their computer, sit down together and show them what a fake pop-up looks like. Agree that they will call you — not the number on the screen — before letting anyone connect to their computer or paying for a “repair.” Then use the button below to send them this article.

If a “technician” already got into a computer or you paid them, follow our first-hour checklist after a scam, then use our guide to reporting a scam call or reporting a scam website to tell the FTC and FBI.