Protecting Tennessee Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 428 Tennessee seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $108.3 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 Tennessee Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Tennessee has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Growing retiree population: Tennessee is one of the top retirement destinations in the South, attracting seniors with no state income tax
- Appalachian isolation: East Tennessee’s Appalachian communities face extreme rural isolation with limited broadband and services
- Southern trust culture: Tennessee’s warm, hospitable culture makes seniors more likely to engage with callers who sound polite and helpful
- Music City scams: Nashville’s entertainment industry creates opportunities for scammers to push fake investment and talent-related schemes
- Military communities: Fort Campbell brings military retirees who are targeted by VA and military benefits impersonation scams
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Tennessee (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 255 | $4.9M | — |
| 2022 | 342 | $9.5M | +94% |
| 2023 | 332 | $6.9M | -28% |
| 2024 | 375 | $8.1M | +18% |
| 2025 | 428 | $11.7M | +45% |
| 5-Year Total | 1,732 | $41.1M | +139% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Tennessee residents aged 60 and older.
Tennessee ranks #26 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $11.7 million lost in 2025 across 428 reported victims. That represents 1.1% of all U.S. tech support scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +45% — significantly faster than the national average of +5%. Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Tennessee grew +139%.
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 Tennessee
- Office of the Tennessee Attorney General: (615) 741-3491 | tn.gov/attorneygeneral
- 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)