Protecting Wisconsin Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 351 Wisconsin seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $92.0 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 Wisconsin Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Wisconsin has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- Midwestern trust: Wisconsin’s friendly, community-oriented culture means seniors are more likely to engage with and trust unknown callers
- Rural northern regions: Northern Wisconsin is deeply rural and isolated, with limited access to broadband and in-person services
- Manufacturing retirees: Wisconsin’s manufacturing and dairy industry retirees often have pension savings that scammers target
- Harsh winters: Wisconsin’s long, cold winters keep seniors homebound for months, increasing exposure to phone and online scams
- Aging demographics: Wisconsin’s senior population is growing rapidly, with the 65+ age group being the fastest-growing demographic
What This Scam Looks Like
Tech support scams often begin with a frightening pop-up warning or an unsolicited phone call claiming your computer has been compromised. The caller pressures you to grant remote access or pay for unnecessary “repairs.” In many cases, scammers install software that lets them return to your computer later to steal banking credentials.
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Wisconsin (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 163 | $1.8M | — |
| 2022 | 234 | $5.4M | +197% |
| 2023 | 286 | $5.9M | +9% |
| 2024 | 325 | $12.0M | +102% |
| 2025 | 351 | $12.9M | +8% |
| 5-Year Total | 1,359 | $38.0M | +604% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Wisconsin residents aged 60 and older.
Wisconsin ranks #23 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $12.9 million lost in 2025 across 351 reported victims. That represents 1.2% of all U.S. tech support scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +8% (national average: +5%). Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Wisconsin grew +604%.
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 Wisconsin
- Office of the Wisconsin Attorney General: (608) 266-1221 | doj.state.wi.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)