Protecting West Virginia Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 129 West Virginia seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $19.0 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 West Virginia Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
West Virginia has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Oldest state by median age: West Virginia has one of the highest median ages in the nation, with over 20% of residents aged 65+
- Appalachian isolation: West Virginia’s mountainous terrain creates extreme geographic isolation for many senior residents
- High elderly poverty: West Virginia has one of the highest elderly poverty rates in the country, making seniors desperate and vulnerable
- Limited broadband: West Virginia ranks near the bottom nationally for broadband access, especially in rural mountain areas
- Coal retirees: Former coal industry workers often have pension and black lung benefit payments that scammers target
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in West Virginia (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 61 | $467K | — |
| 2022 | 66 | $924K | +98% |
| 2023 | 73 | $1.3M | +40% |
| 2024 | 84 | $771K | -40% |
| 2025 | 129 | $3.3M | +325% |
| 5-Year Total | 413 | $6.7M | +601% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for West Virginia residents aged 60 and older.
West Virginia ranks #40 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $3.3 million lost in 2025 across 129 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +325% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in West Virginia grew +601%.
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 West Virginia
- Office of the West Virginia Attorney General: (304) 558-2021 | wvago.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)