How common is identity theft in Delaware? (2026 Update)

Understanding Delaware's identity theft crisis

Delaware faces an identity theft crisis, ranking #7 nationally by per-capita rate (390 reports per 100K) with 3,925 identity theft reports in just Q1-Q3 2025—already at 100.0% of 2024's full-year total of 3,942. This represents approximately 14 new victims every single day across Delaware, with one new victim every 102.9 minutes around the clock. For comprehensive national context, see our 2025 Identity Theft Statistics report. All data is based on FTC Consumer Sentinel Network data.

The concentration of identity theft in Delaware reflects the state's unique vulnerabilities and risk factors. Delaware's 1.03 million residents¹ face elevated risk from the state's corporate incorporation dominance, commuter corridor dynamics, and tax-free shopping appeal. Comprehensive identity theft protection is essential for Delaware residents.

Why Delaware ranks #7 in identity theft statistics

Corporate Formation Industry Creates Target-Rich Environment: Delaware's dominance in corporate incorporation stems from its Court of Chancery and favorable business laws, but this concentration creates vulnerability. Registered agents, corporate service companies, and law firms maintain databases of corporate officers, directors, and beneficial owners—all attractive targets for identity thieves seeking high-value victims with extensive business credit profiles. Business imposter scams (1,550 reports, $3.9 million) often begin with stolen corporate officer information used to impersonate executives.

Financial Services Sector Density: Despite its small size, Delaware hosts major credit card operations (all national banks' credit card operations are technically "based" in Delaware due to favorable banking laws), creating concentrated payment processing systems. The state's credit card fraud (2,808 reports in 2024) represents a disproportionate burden given the small population—equivalent to much larger states on a per-capita basis.

Commuter Corridor Vulnerability: Delaware's position between Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC creates a transient population of 100,000+ daily commuters⁴ crossing state lines for work. This mobility generates gaps in fraud detection—criminals exploit the jurisdictional confusion, knowing Delaware's small police forces have limited resources for cross-state investigations. The commuter lifestyle also means residents spend less time monitoring local accounts and addressing fraud quickly.

Regional Awareness Gap: Delaware residents in the South region show 63.1% worry about identity theft,⁵ but Delaware's 390 per 100K rate far exceeds regional averages. Many residents view their small-state location as lower-risk than neighboring metropolitan areas, creating dangerous complacency about sophisticated remote fraud operations that don't require physical presence.

Tax-Free Shopping Attracts Criminals: Delaware's lack of sales tax makes it a shopping destination for residents of neighboring states, generating massive credit card processing volume at retail locations near state borders. This concentrated retail activity creates opportunities for skimming devices and payment terminal tampering that affect both Delaware residents and out-of-state shoppers.

By income & socioeconomic status

Identity theft in Delaware cuts across income levels but manifests differently:

High-Income (>$150K): Targeted for sophisticated fraud—wire transfer scams, investment fraud, real estate title theft, business identity theft. High-income residents maintain higher credit limits and account balances, making them attractive targets.

Middle-Income ($40K-$100K): Highest volume of victims. Have established credit but may lack resources for premium monitoring services. Actively use credit for mortgages, auto loans, education—all fraud vectors.

Lower-Income (<$40K): Disproportionately impacted by government benefits fraud, particularly SNAP fraud, unemployment fraud, and healthcare fraud. May have less financial cushion to absorb losses and fewer resources for recovery.

For comparison, see how Delaware compares to other high-risk states like Maryland.

Fraud patterns and identity theft statistics

Most common types of identity theft in Delaware (2025)

Based on FTC Consumer Sentinel Network data for Delaware, the following identity theft types are most prevalent:

Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network, Delaware Identity Theft Data, 2025 YTD (Q1-Q3)

Year-over-year comparison (2024 vs 2025 YTD)

Delaware reported 3,925 identity theft reports in Q1-Q3 2025, compared to 3,942 reports for the full year 2024. This represents 100.0% of the 2024 total in just three quarters, indicating Delaware is on track to exceed 2024's numbers.

For comprehensive national context and trends, see our 2025 Identity Theft Statistics report.

2025 YTD Delaware trends by age group

Identity theft victimization varies significantly by age, with different age groups facing distinct fraud patterns and loss amounts.

Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network, Delaware Age & Fraud Data, 2025 YTD (Q1-Q3)

Who is at risk of identity theft in Delaware?

Corporate Officers and Business Owners: The thousands of individuals serving as officers, directors, or registered agents for Delaware-incorporated companies face elevated risk. Their information appears in public corporate registrations, making them easy targets for sophisticated fraud. Criminals use stolen corporate officer information to open business credit accounts, establish fraudulent vendor relationships, and impersonate executives in business email compromise schemes. Business imposter losses often start with publicly available corporate registration data.

Philadelphia-Wilmington Corridor Commuters: The 100,000+ people⁴ commuting between Delaware and Pennsylvania/Maryland face transitional vulnerability from divided attention and jurisdictional confusion. These residents maintain banking relationships across multiple states, creating opportunities for criminals to exploit gaps in fraud detection systems. Phone or utilities fraud often targets commuters with fraudulent accounts opened in states where they don't actively monitor services.

Financial Services Employees: Delaware's credit card processing industry employees handle sensitive payment information, making them targets for credential theft and social engineering. Criminals specifically target employees with access to payment systems, offering bribes or using blackmail to obtain login credentials. These workers' personal information also appears in large employment databases frequently targeted in data breaches.

Small Business Owners Near Tax-Free Retail: Delaware businesses in retail corridors near state borders face unique fraud from out-of-state criminals who exploit Delaware's lack of sales tax. Business owners encounter counterfeit credit cards, fraudulent payment card disputes, and organized retail crime rings. The concentration of retail activity creates sophisticated fraud operations that quickly test stolen cards before they're reported.

University of Delaware Students: Delaware's 24,000+ University of Delaware students⁶ face employment fraud, fake apartment rentals, and student loan scams. Students attracted by Delaware's business-friendly reputation encounter fake internship offers with startup companies, requiring upfront fees for background checks or equipment. The state's small size creates false sense of security—students assume criminal operations can't hide in a small state.

Retirees in Coastal Communities: Delaware's beach communities (Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Bethany Beach)⁷ attract retirees seeking lower taxes and coastal living. These affluent retirees become targets for investment fraud, particularly schemes involving Delaware-incorporated companies that appear legitimate due to Delaware registration. Romance scams show average losses indicating sophisticated targeting of wealthy retirees.

Legal and Professional Services Workers: Delaware's attorneys, accountants, and corporate service providers handle extensive client financial information and corporate records. These professionals become targets for credential theft that would provide access to multiple corporate clients' sensitive data. A single compromised professional services firm account could expose hundreds of corporate clients to fraud.

Healthcare Workers and Patients: Delaware's integrated healthcare systems (Christiana Care, Bayhealth)⁸ serve the entire small state, meaning data breaches have outsized impact—affecting significant percentages of the total population. Medical identity theft can impact insurance coverage and medical records, with criminals using stolen identities to obtain prescription drugs and file false insurance claims.

How to protect yourself from fraud in Delaware

Delaware-Specific Legal Protections: Delaware Code Title 11, Chapter 5, Subchapter II provides identity theft protections. Victims can place security freezes on credit reports for free and access Delaware's data breach notification law requiring companies to notify affected individuals. Contact the Delaware Department of Justice Consumer Protection Unit at (800) 220-5424 or visit attorneygeneral.delaware.gov for assistance.

Corporate Officer Protection: Delaware business owners and corporate officers should place credit freezes on both personal and business credit reports. Monitor corporate credit reports through Dun & Bradstreet and Experian Business. Use separate email addresses for corporate filings versus personal communications—this isolates credential theft exposure. Consider using registered agent services that limit public disclosure of personal addresses. Report corporate identity theft to Delaware Division of Corporations at (302) 739-3073.

Credit Card Fraud Prevention (2,808 Reports): Use chip-and-PIN cards rather than signature-only verification, especially at Delaware's high-traffic retail areas. Enable real-time transaction alerts through card issuer apps. When shopping in Delaware's tax-free retail corridors, be vigilant about skimming devices at gas stations and smaller retailers. Review statements within 24 hours of shopping trips to catch fraudulent charges quickly.

Business Email Compromise Prevention ($3.9M Risk): Delaware business owners should implement DMARC email authentication to prevent domain spoofing. Verify all payment requests and vendor changes through phone calls to previously established numbers. Never rely solely on email to confirm wire transfers or payment information changes. Require two-person authorization for all wire transfers over $10,000. Train employees to recognize executive impersonation and urgent payment request red flags.

Commuter-Specific Protections: Multi-state commuters should consolidate banking to minimize accounts requiring monitoring. Place fraud alerts on credit reports (lasting 90 days), which requires creditors to verify identity before opening accounts in any state. Use mobile banking apps with location-based alerts that notify you of transactions in unexpected states. Review credit reports every four months to catch cross-state fraudulent accounts.

Investment Scam Prevention: Delaware residents should verify investment advisors through FINRA's BrokerCheck and Delaware Securities Division. Don't assume Delaware incorporation indicates legitimacy—scammers deliberately incorporate in Delaware to appear established. Refuse pressure to invest immediately in opportunities found through social media or cold calls. Independently verify all investment claims and check for SEC registration at investor.gov.

Romance Scam Awareness ($4.4M Losses): Delaware's retirees using dating apps should proceed with extreme caution. Be suspicious of people who claim to be traveling, have business overseas, or face emergencies requiring financial assistance. Average losses of $29,730 indicate sophisticated long-term fraud—criminals invest months building relationships. Never send money to someone you haven't met extensively in person. Report suspected romance scams to Delaware DOJ and local police.

Small Business Safeguards for Retail: Retailers in Delaware's tax-free shopping zones should implement EMV chip readers and contactless payment systems with tokenization. Train employees to inspect cards for signs of tampering and verify customer ID for large purchases. Use point-of-sale systems with fraud detection that flags suspicious transaction patterns. Report organized retail crime to Delaware State Police at (302) 739-5901.

Student Protection Measures: University of Delaware students should verify employment offers through university career services before sharing personal information or paying fees. Never wire money for apartment deposits before physically viewing properties and verifying landlord legitimacy through Delaware property records. Be wary of startup company internships requiring equipment purchases or training fees before starting work.

Healthcare Data Protection: After receiving data breach notifications from Delaware healthcare providers, place fraud alerts on credit reports and monitor for suspicious medical bills. Request annual insurance benefit statements showing all services billed under your name. Delaware's small size means major breaches can affect significant portions of the population—take immediate action after breach notifications.

Delaware-Specific Resources: File identity theft reports with local police (Wilmington: 302-576-3990, Dover: 302-736-7111) and obtain case numbers for credit bureaus. Contact Delaware Department of Justice Consumer Protection Unit at (800) 220-5424. Submit FTC reports at identitytheft.gov. For business fraud, contact Delaware Division of Corporations at (302) 739-3073. Report securities fraud to Delaware Department of Justice Securities Division at (302) 577-8424. For healthcare fraud, contact Delaware Division of Public Health at (302) 744-4700.

Recommended response to unusual credit activity

If you notice unusual credit activity or want to proactively protect against new account fraud, credit freezes prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. Contact all three bureaus:

• Experian: (888) 397-3742
• Equifax: (800) 685-1111
• TransUnion: (888) 909-8872

Free, reversible, doesn't affect credit scores, can be temporarily lifted for legitimate credit applications. For ongoing protection, consider credit monitoring from all three bureaus.

How to report identity theft in Delaware

Immediate actions (first 48 hours)

Step 1: Document Everything

• Screenshot all fraudulent transactions
• Save emails, texts, or calls from fraudsters
• Create dedicated folder for all identity theft documentation
• Start detailed timeline of events

Step 2: Place Fraud Alerts

Call any one credit bureau to place fraud alert (they notify the other two). Makes identity theft harder for criminals and entitles you to free credit reports.

Step 3: File Reports

• FTC: IdentityTheft.gov to create official federal report
• Local Police: File report with your local police department (required by many creditors)
• Delaware AG: File complaint with Delaware Attorney General - Consumer Protection Unit ((302) 577-8600)

Step 4: Contact Affected Institutions

• Close compromised accounts immediately
• Dispute fraudulent charges in writing—verbal disputes aren't legally sufficient
• Request fraud affidavits from financial institutions
• Change ALL passwords and PINs, even for accounts not obviously affected

Week 1-2: Secure your identity

Freeze Credit Reports: Contact all three bureaus to freeze reports. Free, reversible, prevents new accounts.

Request Extended Fraud Alert: With police report, you're entitled to 7-year fraud alert (vs. standard 1-year).

Review All Credit Reports: Order reports from all three bureaus. Examine every account, inquiry, and personal information entry. Dispute all fraud vectors.

Month 1-3: Deep clean & monitor

Close All Fraudulent Accounts: Send certified letters to creditors disputing charges. Include copy of FTC report and police report. Keep copies of all correspondence.

Monitor Aggressively: Check credit reports regularly for an extended period. Review bank/credit statements weekly. Set up account alerts for all transactions over $50.

Address Specific Fraud Types:

• Tax Fraud: File Form 14039 with IRS, request Identity Protection PIN for future filings at IRS.gov
• Medical Fraud: Request medical records, dispute charges with insurance companies
• Real Estate/Mortgage Fraud: Alert title companies, mortgage servicers; may require attorney. Home title monitoring can help prevent future incidents
• Employment Fraud: Contact employers where fraudulent employment occurred, file with Social Security Administration at SSA.gov

Long-term recovery

Identity theft recovery timelines vary significantly by case complexity. Simple cases involving a single credit card may resolve relatively quickly, while moderate cases with multiple accounts typically require more extensive documentation and follow-up. Complex cases involving criminal identity theft, tax fraud, or real estate fraud can take substantially longer to resolve.

When to Seek Professional Help:

• Criminal charges filed in your name
• Multiple fraud types occurring simultaneously
• Real estate fraud involving property titles
• Creditors refusing to remove fraudulent accounts
• Cases exceeding $50,000 in total losses
• Business identity theft

Delaware identity theft resources

State resources

Delaware Attorney General - Consumer Protection Unit: (800) 220-5424

https://news.delaware.gov/ag/consumer-protection - Consumer complaints, fraud reporting

Federal resources

FTC Identity Theft Hotline: IdentityTheft.gov or (877) 438-4338

Social Security Fraud Hotline: (800) 269-0271 | Visit SSA.gov to create a My Social Security account

IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit: (800) 908-4490 | Request an IP PIN at IRS.gov

Credit bureaus (fraud alerts & freezes)

Place fraud alerts and freezes with all three bureaus:

• Experian: (888) 397-3742
• Equifax: (800) 685-1111
• TransUnion: (888) 909-8872

Support services

Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC): (888) 400-5530 - Free victim assistance with live counselors. Visit idtheftcenter.org for resources

Frequently asked questions

Why does Delaware rank #7 nationally for identity theft?

Delaware ranks #7 nationally with 390 reports per 100K residents in 2025 YTD. The state's unique risk factors contribute to elevated identity theft rates.

What are the most common types of identity theft in Delaware?

Credit card fraud, loan/lease fraud, and other identity theft categories are the most common types reported in Delaware.

How many identity theft reports were filed in Delaware in 2025?

Delaware reported 3,925 identity theft reports in Q1-Q3 2025, already at 100.0% of 2024's full-year total of 3,942.

What should I do if I'm a victim of identity theft in Delaware?

Immediately file reports with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov, your local police department, and the Delaware Attorney General. Place fraud alerts with all three credit bureaus and freeze your credit reports.

Are there state-specific identity theft laws in Delaware?

Yes. Delaware has specific identity theft laws. Check with the Delaware Attorney General's office for details on state-specific protections and reporting requirements.

How can I protect myself from identity theft in Delaware?

Given Delaware's #7 ranking, comprehensive protection is essential. Use credit freezes, enable transaction alerts, monitor credit reports regularly, and consider identity theft protection services designed for high-risk areas.