Protecting Massachusetts Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 470 Massachusetts seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $113.9 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 Massachusetts Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Massachusetts has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Wealthy retirees: Massachusetts has one of the highest concentrations of wealth per capita, making its seniors attractive targets for investment and financial fraud
- Aging population: Massachusetts has a rapidly growing population over 65, with New England traditionally having older demographics than the national average
- Healthcare hub: As a major medical center, Massachusetts seniors may be targeted by scammers impersonating hospitals, insurance companies, or Medicare
- University town trust: Massachusetts’s educated population may feel “too smart” to be scammed, which itself creates vulnerability — scammers exploit overconfidence
- Cold winters: Long New England winters keep seniors indoors and online, increasing exposure to digital scams and phone fraud
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Massachusetts (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 307 | $4.1M | — |
| 2022 | 356 | $10.9M | +168% |
| 2023 | 392 | $9.9M | -9% |
| 2024 | 364 | $28.7M | +188% |
| 2025 | 470 | $19.3M | -33% |
| 5-Year Total | 1,889 | $72.9M | +374% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Massachusetts residents aged 60 and older.
Massachusetts ranks #17 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $19.3 million lost in 2025 across 470 reported victims. That represents 1.8% of all U.S. tech support scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed -33%, outperforming the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Massachusetts grew +374%.
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 Massachusetts
- Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General: (617) 727-2200 | mass.gov/ago
- 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)