Protecting South Dakota Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 57 South Dakota seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $14.7 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 South Dakota Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
South Dakota has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Vast rural distances: South Dakota’s extremely low population density means many seniors live hours from the nearest city or tech support
- Native American elders: South Dakota’s large Native American population includes elders on reservations with limited broadband and services
- Agricultural wealth: Farming and ranching seniors with land assets are targeted by scammers pushing fake investment opportunities
- Harsh winters: Brutal South Dakota winters isolate seniors for months, increasing vulnerability to phone and online scams
- No state income tax: South Dakota’s tax-friendly policies attract retirees with savings that scammers target
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in South Dakota (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 23 | $92K | — |
| 2022 | 41 | $1.4M | +1413% |
| 2023 | 35 | $559K | -60% |
| 2024 | 42 | $2.5M | +343% |
| 2025 | 57 | $3.0M | +22% |
| 5-Year Total | 198 | $7.5M | +3184% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for South Dakota residents aged 60 and older.
South Dakota ranks #43 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $3.0 million lost in 2025 across 57 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +22% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in South Dakota grew +3184%.
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 South Dakota
- Office of the South Dakota Attorney General: (605) 773-3215 | atg.sd.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)