Protecting Missouri Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 469 Missouri seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $91.6 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 Missouri Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Missouri has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Urban-rural divide: While Kansas City and St. Louis have resources, much of rural Missouri lacks in-person tech support and consumer protection services
- Midwestern trust: Missouri’s “Show-Me” state culture paradoxically includes strong community trust that scammers exploit
- Large retiree population: Missouri’s affordable cost of living attracts retirees, concentrating seniors that scammers target
- Military communities: Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Force Base bring military retirees targeted by VA impersonation scams
- River community isolation: Communities along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers face geographic isolation that limits access to services
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Missouri (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 229 | $2.1M | — |
| 2022 | 315 | $9.1M | +328% |
| 2023 | 311 | $8.7M | -4% |
| 2024 | 315 | $14.1M | +63% |
| 2025 | 469 | $12.5M | -12% |
| 5-Year Total | 1,639 | $46.5M | +488% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Missouri residents aged 60 and older.
Missouri ranks #24 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $12.5 million lost in 2025 across 469 reported victims. That represents 1.2% of all U.S. tech support scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed -12%, outperforming the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Missouri grew +488%.
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 Missouri
- Office of the Missouri Attorney General: (573) 751-3321 | ago.mo.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)