Protecting Hawaii Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 120 Hawaii seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $55.4 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 Hawaii Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Hawaii has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Island isolation: Hawaii’s geographic isolation means seniors have limited access to mainland resources, making phone and online “help” seem like the only option
- High cost of living: Hawaii has the highest cost of living in the nation, making seniors on fixed incomes especially vulnerable to financial promises and investment scams
- Military retiree community: Hawaii’s large military retiree population is specifically targeted by scammers impersonating VA and military benefits offices
- Multicultural population: Hawaii’s diverse population includes seniors who may be targeted with language-specific scams or cultural exploitation
- Tourism-driven economy: Scammers exploit Hawaii’s tourism connections with fake vacation timeshare investments and travel-related fraud
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Hawaii (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 49 | $651K | — |
| 2022 | 77 | $1.7M | +164% |
| 2023 | 85 | $3.1M | +77% |
| 2024 | 101 | $1.8M | -42% |
| 2025 | 120 | $4.8M | +169% |
| 5-Year Total | 432 | $12.0M | +634% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Hawaii residents aged 60 and older.
Hawaii ranks #37 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $4.8 million lost in 2025 across 120 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +169% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Hawaii grew +634%.
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 Hawaii
- Office of the Hawaii Attorney General: (808) 586-1500 | ag.hawaii.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)