Alert Tech support
FBI: Tech-support scams cost seniors more than $1 billion last year — 4 red flags
Americans 60 and older reported over $1 billion in tech-support scam losses to the FBI in 2025. Learn the 4 red flags and what to do if a pop-up appears.
By New2h Help Editorial Team Reviewed by New2h Help Editorial Team
Published
Tech-support scams are one of the most expensive frauds aimed at older Americans. In its 2025 annual report, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) said people 60 and older filed 21,333 complaints about tech and customer support scams and reported losses of more than $1 billion — about $1.04 billion in a single year.
That was up from roughly $982 million reported by the same age group in 2024. Only investment fraud cost older adults more in 2025. And because many people never report a scam, the real losses are likely higher.
How the scam usually starts
Most tech-support scams begin with a fright. A warning suddenly fills your screen and will not close. An email says you were charged hundreds of dollars to renew a security subscription you never ordered. Or the phone rings and a polite caller says they are from a well-known company and have detected a problem with your computer.
Every version has one thing in common: a phone number to call, or a person already on the line, ready to “help.”
From: Billing Department <billing@secure-renewals.example.com>
Subject: Your annual protection plan was renewed: $399.99
Dear Customer,
Thank you for renewing your 3-device protection plan. Your account has been charged $399.99 today.
If you did not authorize this charge, you must call our cancellation desk within 24 hours at (888) 555-0163 to receive a full refund.
What happens when you call
The person who answers is friendly and patient. They ask you to download a program so they can see your screen. Once connected, they may show you harmless system messages and claim they are proof of a virus or a hacker.
From there, the story often grows. The FTC describes callers who claim your accounts have been hacked or your name is linked to a serious crime, then transfer you to someone pretending to be from your bank or a government agency. You may be told to withdraw cash, buy gold, or move your savings to a “safe” account. Some scammers fake a refund, claim they “accidentally” sent you too much, and ask you to send the difference back.
The FTC has found that scammers try to keep people on the phone the whole time, both to create a sense of urgency and so there is no chance to talk with a friend or relative who might recognize the trick.
What real tech companies never do
According to the FTC, legitimate tech companies do not call, email or text you to say there is a problem with your computer, and real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number. No genuine company or government agency will tell you to move money to protect it.
If you are worried about your computer, contact the company yourself using a phone number or website you already trust, or ask a knowledgeable friend or family member to take a look.
Help someone you love
If you help an older parent with their computer, sit down together and show them what a fake pop-up looks like. Agree that they will call you — not the number on the screen — before letting anyone connect to their computer or paying for a “repair.” Then use the button below to send them this article.
Red flags: how to spot this scam
- A pop-up, call, text or email you did not expect says your computer is infected or your account was hacked — and gives you a phone number to call.
- The "technician" asks to connect to your computer remotely so they can "scan" or "fix" it.
- You are told your accounts or identity are tied to a crime, and you are transferred to a supposed bank or government official.
- You are told to pay with gift cards, a wire or bank transfer, cryptocurrency or a payment app — or to withdraw cash or move your money to "protect" it.
What to do
- Do not call the number in a pop-up, text or email. Close the browser; if it will not close, restart the computer.
- Hang up on anyone who calls about a problem with your computer. Real tech companies do not call out of the blue.
- If you gave someone remote access, disconnect from the internet, run your security software and remove anything it flags.
- Change your passwords from a different, trusted device, and turn on two-step verification.
- If you paid, call your bank or card company immediately and ask them to reverse the payment, then report the scam at IC3.gov and ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Send this to someone you love
A quick share can stop a scam before it starts.
Where to report it
Reporting helps investigators spot patterns and warn others — even if you did not lose money. Type these addresses yourself or use the links below; do not use links from a suspicious message.
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FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Online and computer-related fraud, including tech-support, romance, investment and crypto scams.
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Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Any scam, fraud or bad business practice — calls, texts, emails, websites and impostors.
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National Elder Fraud Hotline (U.S. Department of Justice)
Free help for people 60 and older: case managers help you report and plan next steps. Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Eastern.
You can also report to your state attorney general. If you sent money, call your bank or card company right away using the number on the back of your card.
Frequently asked questions
How much did tech-support scams cost older Americans in 2025?
In its 2025 annual report, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center said people 60 and older filed 21,333 complaints about tech and customer support scams, reporting losses of about $1.04 billion. That is up from about $982 million reported by the same age group in 2024.
Can a pop-up on my screen really know my computer has a virus?
No. A website cannot scan your computer. The FTC says real security warnings will never ask you to call a phone number. A pop-up that does is a scam, no matter whose logo it shows.
The caller knew my name and address. Doesn't that prove they are real?
No. Scammers often have some of your personal details from data breaches or public records. Knowing your information is not proof of who they are.
Sources
We rely on official government sources. Read how we check facts in our editorial policy.
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: 2025 IC3 Annual Report (Elder Fraud section, pp. 44–48) (ic3.gov, accessed )
- FTC: How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams (updated Sept. 2025) (consumer.ftc.gov, accessed )
- FTC Data Spotlight: False alarm, real scam — how scammers are stealing older adults' life savings (Aug. 7, 2025) (ftc.gov, accessed )
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