Protecting Vermont Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 58 Vermont seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $8.5 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 Vermont Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Vermont has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Oldest state in New England: Vermont has one of the highest median ages in the country at 42.7, with a rapidly growing 65+ population
- Extreme rural isolation: Vermont is the second-least populated state, with many seniors living in small mountain towns far from any consumer protection office
- Harsh winters: Vermont’s long, severe winters keep seniors homebound for 4-5 months, dramatically increasing phone and internet exposure to scams
- Limited broadband: Many rural Vermont communities, especially in the Northeast Kingdom, lack reliable internet, reducing access to online fraud education
- Independent culture: Vermont’s fiercely self-reliant culture means seniors may resist asking for help or reporting that they’ve been victimized
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Vermont (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 41 | $906K | — |
| 2022 | 48 | $2.2M | +143% |
| 2023 | 32 | $425K | -81% |
| 2024 | 47 | $1.2M | +171% |
| 2025 | 58 | $2.7M | +135% |
| 5-Year Total | 226 | $7.4M | +198% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Vermont residents aged 60 and older.
Vermont ranks #45 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $2.7 million lost in 2025 across 58 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +135% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Vermont grew +198%.
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 Vermont
- Office of the Vermont Attorney General: (802) 828-3173 | ago.vermont.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)