Protecting New Mexico Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 213 New Mexico seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $55.8 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 New Mexico Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
New Mexico has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Rural and frontier areas: Much of New Mexico is classified as “frontier” territory with extremely low population density, leaving seniors isolated
- Native American elders: New Mexico’s large Indigenous population includes elders who may face language barriers and limited internet access on tribal lands
- High elderly poverty: New Mexico has one of the highest elderly poverty rates in the western U.S., making seniors more susceptible to financial promises
- Military retirees: Kirtland Air Force Base and other installations bring military retirees targeted by VA impersonation scams
- Limited broadband: Rural and tribal areas of New Mexico have some of the lowest broadband access rates in the nation
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in New Mexico (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 130 | $1.1M | — |
| 2022 | 173 | $2.6M | +140% |
| 2023 | 150 | $3.2M | +20% |
| 2024 | 172 | $7.2M | +126% |
| 2025 | 213 | $10.3M | +43% |
| 5-Year Total | 838 | $24.4M | +834% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for New Mexico residents aged 60 and older.
New Mexico ranks #28 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $10.3 million lost in 2025 across 213 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +43% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in New Mexico grew +834%.
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 New Mexico
- Office of the New Mexico Attorney General: (505) 490-4060 | nmag.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)