Protecting Minnesota Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 348 Minnesota seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $111.4 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 Minnesota Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Minnesota has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Minnesota Nice: Minnesota’s famously friendly culture makes seniors more likely to stay on the phone with scammers and give them the benefit of the doubt
- Harsh winters: Long, brutal Minnesota winters keep seniors homebound for months, dramatically increasing time spent on phones and computers
- Rural northern regions: Northern Minnesota is extremely rural with limited broadband, leaving seniors isolated and less aware of online scam tactics
- Scandinavian stoicism: Cultural tendencies toward self-reliance mean Minnesota seniors may be reluctant to admit they’ve been targeted or ask for help
- Significant wealth: Minnesota’s strong economy and pension systems mean many retirees have substantial savings that attract investment scammers
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Minnesota (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 250 | $4.4M | — |
| 2022 | 321 | $8.3M | +87% |
| 2023 | 336 | $11.2M | +34% |
| 2024 | 308 | $9.2M | -18% |
| 2025 | 348 | $35.0M | +280% |
| 5-Year Total | 1,563 | $68.2M | +688% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Minnesota residents aged 60 and older.
Minnesota ranks #8 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $35.0 million lost in 2025 across 348 reported victims. That represents 3.3% of all U.S. tech support scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +280% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Minnesota grew +688%.
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 Minnesota
- Office of the Minnesota Attorney General: (651) 296-3353 | ag.state.mn.us
- 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)