Protecting District of Columbia Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 47 District of Columbia seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $10.1 million statewide. Tech support scams are among the most common and devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. This guide will help you recognize, avoid, and report tech support scams.
Why District of Columbia Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
District of Columbia has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Government trust factor: Living in the nation’s capital, DC seniors may be more likely to believe callers claiming to represent federal agencies
- High cost of living: DC’s expensive cost of living means seniors on fixed incomes feel greater pressure from financial scams promising returns
- Diverse population: DC’s diverse senior population includes immigrants who may be targeted with language-specific scams or threats about immigration status
- Dense urban environment: While urban, many DC seniors live alone in apartments with limited social networks, increasing vulnerability to isolation-based scams
- Federal employee retirees: DC’s large federal retiree population is targeted by scammers impersonating agencies like OPM, SSA, and the IRS
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in District of Columbia (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 28 | $269K | — |
| 2022 | 44 | $614K | +128% |
| 2023 | 44 | $4.9M | +702% |
| 2024 | 27 | $245.3M | +4882% |
| 2025 | 47 | $1.3M | -99% |
| 5-Year Total | 190 | $252.4M | +381% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for District of Columbia residents aged 60 and older.
District of Columbia ranks #49 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $1.3 million lost in 2025 across 47 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -99%, outperforming the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in District of Columbia grew +381%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Tech Support Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Tech Support Scams in District of Columbia
- Office of the District of Columbia Attorney General: (202) 727-3400 | oag.dc.gov
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Microsoft: microsoft.com/reportascam
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from tech support scams:
→ Start Tech Support Scam Awareness Training (Module 2)