Protecting Maine Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 116 Maine seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $23.3 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 Maine Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Maine has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Oldest median age: Maine has the oldest median age in the nation at 44.8 years, with over 21% of residents aged 65 and older
- Extreme rural isolation: Maine is the most rural state in the eastern U.S., with many seniors living in remote areas far from in-person support
- Harsh winters: Long, cold Maine winters keep seniors indoors for months, increasing time on phones and computers where scammers operate
- Limited broadband: Much of northern and western Maine lacks reliable internet, meaning seniors may be less familiar with online scam tactics
- Independent culture: Maine’s self-reliant culture means seniors may be reluctant to ask for help or admit they’ve been targeted by a scam
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Maine (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 70 | $455K | — |
| 2022 | 97 | $4.5M | +897% |
| 2023 | 110 | $2.5M | -45% |
| 2024 | 108 | $2.4M | -4% |
| 2025 | 116 | $6.3M | +162% |
| 5-Year Total | 501 | $16.1M | +1275% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Maine residents aged 60 and older.
Maine ranks #34 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $6.3 million lost in 2025 across 116 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +162% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Maine grew +1275%.
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 Maine
- Office of the Maine Attorney General: (207) 626-8800 | maine.gov/ag
- 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)