Protecting North Dakota Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 37 North Dakota seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $5.9 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 Dakota Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
North Dakota has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Extreme rural isolation: North Dakota is one of the least densely populated states, with many seniors living far from any in-person services
- Oil wealth: The Bakken oil boom brought wealth to parts of the state, making some seniors targets for investment scams
- Brutal winters: North Dakota’s severe winters keep seniors homebound for months, greatly increasing exposure to phone and online scams
- Agricultural communities: Farming and ranching seniors with land and assets are targeted by scammers pushing fake investments
- Small-town trust: North Dakota’s tight-knit small communities foster a level of trust that scammers exploit through impersonation
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in North Dakota (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 18 | $145K | — |
| 2022 | 33 | $925K | +537% |
| 2023 | 21 | $224K | -76% |
| 2024 | 26 | $1.2M | +432% |
| 2025 | 37 | $1.3M | +9% |
| 5-Year Total | 135 | $3.8M | +791% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for North Dakota residents aged 60 and older.
North Dakota ranks #50 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $1.3 million lost in 2025 across 37 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed +9% (national average: +5%). Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in North Dakota grew +791%.
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 Dakota
- Office of the North Dakota Attorney General: (701) 328-2210 | attorneygeneral.nd.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)