Senior Scam Prevention and Fraud Resources in Delaware

I. Overview: Delaware’s Senior Population and Key Cities

State of Delaware

As of 2024, Delaware has a population of approximately 1.02 million, with over 210,000 residents aged 65 and older ,  making up more than 20% of the total population. Delaware’s senior population is growing faster than the national average, with many retirees settling in coastal and suburban areas.

Older adults in Delaware are frequently targeted by scams involving Medicare fraud, romance scams, phishing emails, fake tech support, IRS impersonators, and fraudulent sweepstakes. Isolation, digital unfamiliarity, and financial trust in others can leave many seniors vulnerable.

The three largest cities where elder scam reports are most common are:

  • Wilmington (approx. 70,000 people)
  • Dover (approx. 40,000 people)
  • Newark (approx. 31,000 people)

II. 2024 Victim Report: How Scammers Targeted Delaware’s Seniors

In 2024, Delaware had 514 victims aged 60+ who reported losses totaling $12,293,619.

Loss by Crime Type

Crime TypeLoss Amount
Investment$3,852,275
Tech Support$2,540,564
Government Impersonation$187,370
Romance$967,449

III. Emergency and Official Contacts

 Local Police Departments – Elder Fraud and Financial Crimes

1. Wilmington Police Department – Investigative Services Division

  • Phone: (302) 654-5151 (non-emergency)
  • Website: wilmingtonde.gov
  • Handles financial crimes and elder fraud complaints.

2. Dover Police Department – Criminal Investigations

  • Phone: (302) 736-7111 (non-emergency)
  • Website: doverpolice.org
  • Contact for scam reports, identity theft, and abuse of older adults.

3. Newark Police Department – General Inquiries

  • Phone: (302) 366-7111 (non-emergency)
  • Website: newarkde.gov
  • Responds to consumer fraud, tech scams, and elder exploitation reports.

 FBI and Federal Scam Reporting

FBI Baltimore Field Office (covers Delaware)

  • Phone: (410) 265-8080
  • Website: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/baltimore

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

  • Website: www.ic3.gov
  • Use to report online scams, phishing, tech support hoaxes, and financial fraud.

 Delaware Attorney General – Elder Fraud and Consumer Protection

Delaware Department of Justice – Senior Protection Initiative

  • Consumer Protection Hotline: (800) 220-5424
  • Website: attorneygeneral.delaware.gov
  • Investigates scams, abuse, and financial exploitation targeting seniors. Offers complaint forms and guidance.

 Statewide Elder Services and Medicare Fraud Support

Delaware Adult Protective Services (APS)

  • APS Reporting Line: (800) 223-9074
  • Website: dhss.delaware.gov
  • Investigates elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including financial fraud.

Delaware Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

  • Phone: (800) 223-9074
  • Website: smpresource.org (search “Delaware SMP”)
  • Helps seniors identify and report Medicare fraud, billing errors, and identity misuse.

Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD)

  • Main Line: (800) 223-9074
  • Website: dhss.delaware.gov
  • Provides elder rights advocacy, fraud prevention education, caregiver support, and legal aid.

 Protect Yourself and Loved Ones

  • Delaware seniors lose millions of dollars each year to preventable scams.
  • Reporting early helps protect not just yourself, but your entire community.
  • Visit our Education Center to explore common fraud types, learn how to respond, and report scams safely.
  • If something seems suspicious, don’t engage. Stop. Ask. Report.
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