Protecting Mississippi Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 109 Mississippi seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $33.1 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 Mississippi Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Mississippi has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Highest elderly poverty: Mississippi has the highest elderly poverty rate in the nation, making seniors especially vulnerable to financial promises
- Deep rural isolation: Mississippi is among the most rural states, with many seniors living far from in-person tech support or consumer protection offices
- Limited broadband: Mississippi ranks near the bottom nationally for broadband access, meaning many seniors have limited exposure to online fraud awareness
- Southern trust culture: Mississippi’s culture of hospitality and trust makes seniors more receptive to callers who sound helpful and authoritative
- Faith community targeting: Scammers exploit Mississippi’s strong church networks through affinity fraud schemes targeting congregations
What This Scam Looks Like
Tech support scams often begin with a frightening pop-up warning or an unsolicited phone call claiming your computer has been compromised. The caller pressures you to grant remote access or pay for unnecessary “repairs.” In many cases, scammers install software that lets them return to your computer later to steal banking credentials.
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Mississippi (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 66 | $521K | — |
| 2022 | 71 | $1.5M | +191% |
| 2023 | 82 | $1.9M | +26% |
| 2024 | 90 | $1.8M | -5% |
| 2025 | 109 | $2.0M | +9% |
| 5-Year Total | 418 | $7.8M | +280% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Mississippi residents aged 60 and older.
Mississippi ranks #48 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $2.0 million lost in 2025 across 109 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed +9% (national average: +5%). Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Mississippi grew +280%.
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 Mississippi
- Office of the Mississippi Attorney General: (601) 359-3680 | ago.state.ms.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)