Protecting Ohio Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 716 Ohio seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $163.7 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 Ohio Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Ohio has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Large senior population: Ohio has over 2 million residents aged 65+, ranking 7th nationally and creating a massive target pool for scammers
- Rust Belt economics: Decades of economic transition in many Ohio communities mean seniors may have limited savings and be more vulnerable to financial promises
- Rural Appalachian areas: Southeast Ohio’s Appalachian region faces extreme isolation, poverty, and limited broadband access
- Midwestern trust: Ohio’s friendly culture means seniors are more likely to engage with callers who sound helpful and authoritative
- Manufacturing retirees: Ohio’s large base of manufacturing and auto industry retirees have pension savings that scammers target
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Ohio (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 350 | $4.9M | — |
| 2022 | 401 | $9.5M | +92% |
| 2023 | 520 | $14.3M | +51% |
| 2024 | 534 | $10.9M | -24% |
| 2025 | 716 | $22.0M | +101% |
| 5-Year Total | 2,521 | $61.7M | +346% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Ohio residents aged 60 and older.
Ohio ranks #16 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $22.0 million lost in 2025 across 716 reported victims. That represents 2.1% of all U.S. tech support scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +101% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Ohio grew +346%.
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 Ohio
- Office of the Ohio Attorney General: (614) 466-4320 | ohioattorneygeneral.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)