Tech Support Scams Targeting Florida Seniors
Florida seniors lost $73.8 million to tech support scams in 2024. As America’s top retirement destination with 4.9 million seniors, Florida is ground zero for tech support fraud operations.
Why Florida is the #1 Target for Tech Support Scams
Florida’s unique demographics make it irresistible to tech support scammers:
- Highest senior percentage: 21.2% of Florida’s population is 65+ – more than any other state
- Snowbird vulnerability: Seasonal residents from northern states are targeted in both locations, often confused about which “tech company” is legitimate
- Retirement communities: Concentrated populations in The Villages, Sun City Center, and coastal condos provide scammer “call lists”
- Wealth concentration: Florida seniors have substantial retirement savings and pension income
- Language diversity: Spanish and Creole-speaking seniors in Miami-Dade and Broward face bilingual scam operations
Florida-Specific Tech Support Scam Tactics
The “FPL Smart Meter” Scam: Callers claim Florida Power & Light detected computer problems through your smart meter, demanding remote access to “protect your home systems.” FPL NEVER monitors computers.
The Villages “Computer Club” Impersonation: Scammers research legitimate computer clubs in retirement communities, then call residents claiming to be from these groups offering “security checks.”
Condo Association “IT Support”: In high-rise condos across Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa, scammers pose as building IT support claiming to fix “network issues affecting your unit.”
Hurricane Season “Protection” Scams: Before and after storms, scammers claim computers need “surge protection updates” or “storm damage assessment” requiring remote access and payment.
Spanish-Language Microsoft Scams: In Miami-Dade and South Florida, call centers target Spanish-speaking seniors with “Microsoft Soporte Técnico” calls.
How Tech Support Scams Target Florida Seniors
Tech support scams typically begin with a pop-up warning, phone call, or email claiming your computer has been compromised. The scammer poses as a representative from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider.
Common tactics include:
- Fake virus alerts that freeze your screen
- Unsolicited calls claiming to be from “Windows Support”
- Pop-ups with toll-free numbers to call for “immediate help”
- Emails warning of account suspension or security breaches
Trusted Florida Tech Support Resources
Never call a number from a pop-up. Use these legitimate resources instead:
- Florida libraries: Many offer free tech help – Miami-Dade, Broward, and Orange County libraries have senior tech programs
- AARP Florida: Regular tech workshops in Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, and Miami
- The Villages Computer Club: Free legitimate tech help for residents
- Senior centers: Most Florida counties have senior centers with tech assistance
- Florida 211: Dial 211 for local senior tech resources
Warning Signs of Tech Support Scams
- Unsolicited contact about computer problems you didn’t notice
- Urgency and pressure to act immediately
- Requests for remote access to your computer
- Payment demands via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
- Threats that your computer will be “shut down” or “reported”
What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted
- Disconnect from the internet immediately if you gave remote access
- Run a legitimate antivirus scan
- Change passwords for banking and email accounts
- Contact your bank if you made any payments
- Report to the Florida Attorney General: (866) 966-7226
- Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov