Protecting Kentucky Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 261 Kentucky seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $64.4 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 Kentucky Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Kentucky has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Appalachian isolation: Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian communities face extreme geographic isolation, limited broadband, and few local resources for scam prevention
- High elderly poverty: Kentucky has one of the highest elderly poverty rates in the nation, making seniors more vulnerable to financial promises
- Rural population: Over 41% of Kentuckians live in rural areas with limited access to in-person tech help and financial advisors
- Southern trust culture: Kentucky’s warm, hospitable culture means seniors are more likely to engage with callers who sound polite and authoritative
- Coal industry retirees: Retirees from Kentucky’s coal and manufacturing industries often have pension savings that scammers target with investment schemes
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Kentucky (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 121 | $1.4M | — |
| 2022 | 149 | $2.2M | +59% |
| 2023 | 165 | $2.0M | -7% |
| 2024 | 204 | $6.0M | +197% |
| 2025 | 261 | $14.9M | +148% |
| 5-Year Total | 900 | $26.5M | +993% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Kentucky residents aged 60 and older.
Kentucky ranks #19 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $14.9 million lost in 2025 across 261 reported victims. That represents 1.4% of all U.S. tech support scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +148% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Kentucky grew +993%.
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 Kentucky
- Office of the Kentucky Attorney General: (502) 696-5300 | ag.ky.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)