Protecting Michigan Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 633 Michigan seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $169.9 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 Michigan Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Michigan has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Large senior population: Michigan has over 1.8 million residents aged 65 and older, ranking among the top 10 states for senior population
- Auto industry retirees: Michigan’s large base of auto industry retirees often have pension and retirement savings that make them prime targets for investment scams
- Rural Upper Peninsula: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is extremely rural and isolated, with seniors facing limited access to in-person support services
- Harsh winters: Long Michigan winters, especially in the northern regions, keep seniors homebound and more exposed to phone and online scams
- Economic hardship: Decades of economic challenges in parts of Michigan mean many seniors live on tight budgets, making them more vulnerable to financial promises
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Michigan (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 346 | $4.3M | — |
| 2022 | 473 | $11.3M | +164% |
| 2023 | 488 | $14.4M | +27% |
| 2024 | 444 | $14.2M | -2% |
| 2025 | 633 | $24.0M | +69% |
| 5-Year Total | 2,384 | $68.1M | +457% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Michigan residents aged 60 and older.
Michigan ranks #12 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $24.0 million lost in 2025 across 633 reported victims. That represents 2.2% of all U.S. tech support scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +69% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Michigan grew +457%.
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 Michigan
- Office of the Michigan Attorney General: (517) 373-1110 | michigan.gov/ag
- 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)