Protect Yourself from Tech Support Scams in Arizona
Arizona seniors lost $19,867,457 to tech support scams in 2024. With 1.4 million residents over 65 – one of the highest senior populations in the nation – Arizona is a prime target for these scams. Learn to recognize and stop them.
Why Arizona is a Tech Support Scam Hotspot
Arizona’s unique demographics make it a prime target for tech support scammers:
- Retirement destination: Sun City, Scottsdale, and Mesa attract retirees from across the country – many unfamiliar with local resources
- Snowbird population: Seasonal residents (October-April) may be disconnected from their usual support networks
- Heat isolation: Extreme summer temperatures keep seniors indoors and online for months
- Active adult communities: Concentrated senior populations in age-restricted communities are systematically targeted
Arizona-Specific Tech Support Scam Tactics
The “APS/SRP Power Company” Scam: Scammers claim Arizona Public Service or Salt River Project detected “unusual computer activity” linked to your smart thermostat and need remote access to “investigate.”
Sun City Targeted Campaigns: Scammers obtain resident directories for active adult communities and systematically call every household claiming local computer problems.
Snowbird “Welcome Back” Scams: As seasonal residents return each fall, scammers call claiming computers “sat dormant” and need updates – targeting the October-November arrival period.
Trusted Arizona Tech Help Resources
- Arizona State Library: Many branches offer free tech help for seniors
- Sun City/Sun City West Recreation Centers: Regular computer classes for residents
- Maricopa County Library District: Free one-on-one tech appointments
- Pima Council on Aging (Tucson): (520) 790-7262 – tech assistance referrals
- Area Agency on Aging (Phoenix): (602) 264-4357 – local tech help resources
How Tech Support Scams Target Arizona Seniors
Arizona’s large retirement community makes it attractive to scammers. Here is how these scams typically work:
- The Fake Alert: A pop-up appears warning of a virus, or you receive a call claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider
- The Scare Tactic: They claim hackers are stealing your data RIGHT NOW and you must act immediately
- The Remote Access: They ask you to download software that lets them control your computer
- The Theft: Once inside, they access your banking, steal passwords, or demand payment for fake repairs
5 Warning Signs to Recognize Immediately
- Unsolicited contact: Microsoft, Apple, and Google will NEVER call you about computer problems
- Pop-ups with phone numbers: Real security warnings never include phone numbers to call
- Urgency and fear: Scammers create panic so you cannot think clearly
- Requests for remote access: Never let strangers control your computer
- Payment in gift cards: No legitimate company accepts payment via gift cards
What Real Tech Companies Will Never Do
- Never call you first about computer problems
- Never ask for your password
- Never request remote access through unsolicited calls
- Never demand immediate payment to fix a problem
- Never ask for payment in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
Step-by-Step: What to Do If You See a Scary Pop-Up
- Do not call the number displayed on the screen
- Do not click anything on the pop-up
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete (Windows) or Command+Option+Escape (Mac)
- Select your browser and click “End Task” or “Force Quit”
- Restart your computer – the pop-up will be gone
- Run your real antivirus software to scan for any issues
If You Already Gave Remote Access
- Disconnect from the internet immediately
- Shut down your computer
- Call your bank from a different phone
- Change all passwords from a different, secure device
- Have a professional check your computer before using it again
Report Tech Support Scams in Arizona
Arizona Attorney General:
- Phone: (800) 352-8431
- Website: azag.gov/complaints
FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
FBI IC3: ic3.gov
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