Protecting North Carolina Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 599 North Carolina seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $164.2 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 North Carolina Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
North Carolina has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Top retirement destination: North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing retirement states, concentrating seniors that scammers target
- Mountain and coastal isolation: Seniors in the western mountains and rural eastern counties face limited access to services and tech support
- Military communities: Fort Liberty (formerly Bragg), Camp Lejeune, and other bases bring retirees targeted by military impersonation scams
- Southern trust culture: North Carolina’s culture of hospitality makes seniors more receptive to callers who sound friendly and helpful
- Research Triangle wealth: The Triangle area’s affluent retirees are prime targets for sophisticated investment scams
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in North Carolina (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 333 | $2.9M | — |
| 2022 | 416 | $14.6M | +396% |
| 2023 | 454 | $12.9M | -11% |
| 2024 | 495 | $14.9M | +15% |
| 2025 | 599 | $22.8M | +53% |
| 5-Year Total | 2,297 | $68.1M | +674% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for North Carolina residents aged 60 and older.
North Carolina ranks #15 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $22.8 million lost in 2025 across 599 reported victims. That represents 2.1% of all U.S. tech support scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +53% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in North Carolina grew +674%.
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 North Carolina
- Office of the North Carolina Attorney General: (919) 716-6400 | ncdoj.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)