Protecting Oregon Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 374 Oregon seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $77.5 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 Oregon Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Oregon has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Rural eastern Oregon: While Portland has resources, eastern Oregon is vast, rural, and isolated with limited access to in-person support
- Retiree migration: Oregon’s natural beauty attracts retirees, many of whom are far from family and existing support networks
- Progressive trust: Oregon’s community-oriented culture can make seniors more trusting of callers who present themselves as helpful
- Rainy winters: Oregon’s long, rainy winters keep seniors indoors, increasing time spent on phones and computers where scammers operate
- Tech-adjacent culture: Portland’s tech scene means some seniors feel tech-savvy enough that they won’t be scammed, which itself creates vulnerability
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Oregon (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 310 | $2.8M | — |
| 2022 | 301 | $9.1M | +228% |
| 2023 | 352 | $8.6M | -5% |
| 2024 | 393 | $8.1M | -6% |
| 2025 | 374 | $13.6M | +68% |
| 5-Year Total | 1,730 | $42.2M | +388% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Oregon residents aged 60 and older.
Oregon ranks #22 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $13.6 million lost in 2025 across 374 reported victims. That represents 1.3% of all U.S. tech support scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +68% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Oregon grew +388%.
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 Oregon
- Office of the Oregon Attorney General: (503) 378-6002 | doj.state.or.us
- 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)