Protecting Iowa Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 165 Iowa seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $44.1 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 Iowa Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Iowa has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Rural isolation: Iowa is one of the most rural states in the Midwest, with many seniors living in small towns far from in-person support services
- Agricultural wealth: Iowa seniors with farming assets and land are targeted by scammers pushing fake agricultural investments and commodity deals
- Midwestern trust culture: Iowa’s friendly, community-minded culture means seniors are more likely to give callers the benefit of the doubt
- Aging demographics: Iowa has one of the highest percentages of residents over 65 in the Midwest, creating more potential targets
- Long winters: Iowa’s harsh winters keep seniors indoors for months, increasing time spent on phones and computers where scammers operate
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Iowa (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 69 | $642K | — |
| 2022 | 106 | $4.0M | +523% |
| 2023 | 102 | $7.3M | +82% |
| 2024 | 109 | $3.0M | -58% |
| 2025 | 165 | $6.0M | +98% |
| 5-Year Total | 551 | $20.9M | +829% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Iowa residents aged 60 and older.
Iowa ranks #35 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $6.0 million lost in 2025 across 165 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +98% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Iowa grew +829%.
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 Iowa
- Office of the Iowa Attorney General: (515) 281-5926 | iowaattorneygeneral.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)