Protecting Delaware Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Delaware seniors are not immune. In 2025, 34 older adults in Delaware reported government impersonation fraud to the FBI. Scammers pose as officials from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or law enforcement to frighten seniors into sending money or revealing personal information.
Why Delaware Seniors Are Targeted
Delaware’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- 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: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Delaware (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 12 | $27K | — |
| 2022 | 17 | $6.0M | +22041% |
| 2023 | 19 | $1.8M | -70% |
| 2024 | 21 | $187K | -89% |
| 2025 | 34 | $1.1M | +471% |
| 5-Year Total | 103 | $9.0M | +3865% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Delaware residents aged 60 and older.
Delaware ranks #41 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $1.1 million lost in 2025 across 34 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +471% — significantly faster than the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Delaware grew +3865%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Government Impersonation Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Government Impersonation Scams in Delaware
- Office of the Delaware Attorney General: (302) 577-8400 | attorneygeneral.delaware.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Delaware Adult Protective Services: (800) 223-9074
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from government impersonation scams:
→ Start Government Impersonation Scam Awareness Training (Module 5)