Protecting Montana Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 81 Montana seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $31.8 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 Montana Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Montana has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Vast rural distances: Montana is the 4th-largest state by area with only 1 million people — many seniors live hours from the nearest city or tech support
- Aging ranching communities: Montana’s agricultural seniors often have significant land and savings that attract investment scammers
- Limited broadband: Much of rural Montana lacks reliable internet, reducing seniors’ awareness of online fraud prevention
- Independent culture: Montana’s fiercely independent culture means seniors may try to handle suspicious situations alone rather than seeking help
- Long winters: Harsh Montana winters isolate seniors in remote areas for months, increasing vulnerability to phone and online scams
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 Montana (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 66 | $503K | — |
| 2022 | 70 | $1.1M | +109% |
| 2023 | 73 | $1.4M | +35% |
| 2024 | 71 | $2.3M | +63% |
| 2025 | 81 | $2.4M | +4% |
| 5-Year Total | 361 | $7.7M | +377% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Montana residents aged 60 and older.
Montana ranks #46 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $2.4 million lost in 2025 across 81 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed +4% (national average: +5%). Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Montana grew +377%.
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 Montana
- Office of the Montana Attorney General: (406) 444-2026 | dojmt.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)