Protecting Delaware Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and Delaware is no exception. In 2025, 36 Delaware seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $16.2 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why Delaware Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to Delaware put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- 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
What This Scam Looks Like
Investment scams targeting seniors often start with a friendly message on social media or a dating app, then gradually steer the conversation toward a “guaranteed” investment opportunity. Victims are directed to professional-looking but entirely fake trading platforms that show fabricated returns, encouraging them to invest more before the scammer disappears with everything.
5-Year Trend: Investment Scam Losses in Delaware (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 7 | $780K | — |
| 2022 | 19 | $1.6M | +104% |
| 2023 | 22 | $1.9M | +17% |
| 2024 | 39 | $3.9M | +107% |
| 2025 | 36 | $7.2M | +86% |
| 5-Year Total | 123 | $15.3M | +820% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Delaware residents aged 60 and older.
Delaware ranks #43 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $7.2 million lost in 2025 across 36 reported victims. Year over year, losses changed +86% (national average: +83%). Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in Delaware grew +820%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Investment Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Investment Fraud in Delaware
- Office of the Delaware Attorney General: (302) 577-8400 | attorneygeneral.delaware.gov
- SEC: sec.gov/tcr
- FINRA: (844) 574-3577 | brokercheck.finra.org
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from investment scams:
→ Start Investment Scam Awareness Training (Module 3)