Protecting Delaware Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 41 Delaware seniors reported romance scam complaints to the FBI. These scams exploit loneliness and the desire for connection, draining victims of their savings while leaving deep emotional wounds.
Why Delaware Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Delaware’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- 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: Romance Scam Losses in Delaware (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 31 | $1.8M | — |
| 2022 | 22 | $1.8M | -4% |
| 2023 | 32 | $1.0M | -43% |
| 2024 | 31 | $967K | -4% |
| 2025 | 41 | $1.7M | +74% |
| 5-Year Total | 157 | $7.2M | -7% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Delaware residents aged 60 and older.
Delaware ranks #45 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $1.7 million lost in 2025 across 41 reported victims. Year over year, losses surged +74% — significantly faster than the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in Delaware grew -7%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Romance Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Romance Scams in Delaware
- Office of the Delaware Attorney General: (302) 577-8400 | attorneygeneral.delaware.gov
- Delaware Adult Protective Services: (800) 223-9074
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Dating platform: Report the profile on the platform where you were contacted
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from romance scams:
→ Start Romance Scam Awareness Training (Module 4)