Protecting Maryland Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 439 Maryland seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $176.4 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 Maryland Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Maryland has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Federal employee retirees: Maryland’s proximity to Washington, D.C. means a large population of federal retirees targeted by scammers impersonating government agencies
- High-value targets: Maryland has one of the highest median household incomes in the nation, making its seniors prime targets for investment fraud
- Diverse population: Maryland’s diverse senior community includes immigrants who may be targeted with language-specific scams or threats about immigration status
- Urban-rural contrast: While the Baltimore-Washington corridor has resources, rural western Maryland and the Eastern Shore lack local consumer protection services
- Military communities: Major military installations bring retirees who are targeted by scammers impersonating VA and military benefits offices
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Maryland (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 332 | $3.8M | — |
| 2022 | 383 | $21.8M | +473% |
| 2023 | 365 | $12.0M | -45% |
| 2024 | 413 | $12.7M | +5% |
| 2025 | 439 | $36.7M | +189% |
| 5-Year Total | 1,932 | $87.0M | +866% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Maryland residents aged 60 and older.
Maryland ranks #6 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $36.7 million lost in 2025 across 439 reported victims. That represents 3.4% of all U.S. tech support scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +189% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Maryland grew +866%.
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 Maryland
- Office of the Maryland Attorney General: (410) 576-6300 | oag.maryland.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)