Protecting Delaware Seniors from Tech Support Scams
In 2025, 114 Delaware seniors reported tech support scam complaints to the FBI, contributing to total elder fraud losses of $16.2 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 Delaware Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Delaware has unique characteristics that put its senior population at heightened risk:
- High retiree concentration: Delaware is a top retirement destination thanks to no sales tax and low property taxes, concentrating wealthy retirees that scammers actively target
- Small state, big trust: Delaware’s tight-knit communities foster a culture of trust that scammers exploit through affinity fraud and impersonation
- Aging population: Nearly 20% of Delaware residents are over 65, one of the highest percentages in the nation
- Limited rural resources: While Wilmington has urban services, much of Sussex and Kent counties is rural with limited access to in-person tech support
- Financial hub proximity: Delaware’s reputation as a corporate and banking center makes financial scams sound more credible to local seniors
5-Year Trend: Tech Support Scam Losses in Delaware (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 46 | $359K | — |
| 2022 | 77 | $2.2M | +509% |
| 2023 | 72 | $2.6M | +17% |
| 2024 | 85 | $2.5M | -1% |
| 2025 | 114 | $2.9M | +15% |
| 5-Year Total | 394 | $10.6M | +715% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Delaware residents aged 60 and older.
Delaware ranks #44 nationally in tech support scam losses targeting seniors, with $2.9 million lost in 2025 across 114 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed +15% (national average: +5%). Over the full five-year period, tech support scam losses in Delaware grew +715%.
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 Delaware
- Office of the Delaware Attorney General: (302) 577-8400 | attorneygeneral.delaware.gov
- 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)