Protecting Nebraska Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 121 Nebraska seniors reported being targeted by tech support scams, making it the most common fraud type by victim count in the state. With total elder fraud losses reaching $28.4 million, tech support scams remain a persistent threat to older adults across Nebraska. This guide will help you recognize, avoid, and report tech support scams.
Why Nebraska Seniors Are Targeted
Nebraska’s demographics and geography create specific vulnerabilities that scammers exploit:
- Rural isolation: Many Nebraska seniors live in small towns or on farms with limited access to in-person tech support, making phone and online “help” seem appealing
- Aging population: Over 16% of Nebraska residents are 65 or older, creating a large target pool for scammers
- Trust culture: Nebraska’s Midwestern values of trust and politeness make seniors less likely to hang up on callers
- Limited broadband: Rural connectivity challenges mean some seniors are less familiar with online scam tactics
What This Scam Looks Like
Tech support scams often begin with a frightening pop-up warning or an unsolicited phone call claiming your computer has been compromised. The caller pressures you to grant remote access or pay for unnecessary “repairs.” In many cases, scammers install software that lets them return to your computer later to steal banking credentials.
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Nebraska (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 52 | $466K | — |
| 2022 | 66 | $1.3M | +178% |
| 2023 | 80 | $1.0M | -21% |
| 2024 | 75 | $3.3M | +220% |
| 2025 | 121 | $6.7M | +105% |
| 5-Year Total | 394 | $12.8M | +1337% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Nebraska residents aged 60 and older.
Nebraska ranks #33 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $6.7 million lost in 2025 across 121 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +105% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Nebraska grew +1337%.
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 Nebraska
- Office of the Nebraska Attorney General: (402) 471-2682
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
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)