Protecting Puerto Rico Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 25 Puerto Rico seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $8.2 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 Puerto Rico Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Puerto Rico has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Language barrier: Spanish-speaking seniors may face language barriers when trying to verify English-language scam calls or access federal fraud reporting resources
- Island isolation: Puerto Rico’s island geography means seniors have limited access to mainland resources and in-person support
- Economic challenges: Puerto Rico’s ongoing economic difficulties mean many seniors live on very limited incomes, making financial scams more devastating
- Hurricane recovery exploitation: Scammers exploit disaster recovery programs, posing as FEMA or insurance representatives
- Family separation: Many Puerto Rican families have members on the mainland, leaving elderly relatives on the island more isolated and vulnerable
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Puerto Rico (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 23 | $38K | — |
| 2022 | 16 | $477K | +1171% |
| 2023 | 21 | $779K | +63% |
| 2024 | 21 | $159K | -80% |
| 2025 | 25 | $76K | -52% |
| 5-Year Total | 106 | $1.5M | +103% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Puerto Rico residents aged 60 and older.
Puerto Rico ranks #52 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $76,346 lost in 2025 across 25 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed -52%, outperforming the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Puerto Rico grew +103%.
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 Puerto Rico
- Office of the Puerto Rico Attorney General: (787) 721-2900 | justicia.gobierno.pr
- 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)