Delaware and Pennsylvania are among the states most vulnerable to identity theft and consumer fraud, according to a recent report from WalletHub. The study, which analyzed various metrics across identity theft and fraud, placed Delaware as the second-most vulnerable state, while Pennsylvania ranked 18th.
The report stated that U.S. consumers lost an estimated $10 billion to fraud in 2023, a $1 billion increase from the previous year, with identity theft playing a major role. Data breaches affecting major companies like Microsoft, AT&T, and Ticketmaster have increased risks, exposing personal information.
Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Consumer Protection handled over 34,000 consumer complaints and initiated 71 legal actions in 2024, including civil complaints and bankruptcy actions.
John Abel, chief deputy attorney general for Pennsylvania’s attorney general, explained that demographic factors contribute to the state’s high vulnerability. He noted that Pennsylvania has a substantial population of older adults, who are often more likely to be targeted by scammers.
“Historically, our state has tended to have a high proportion of senior consumers,” Abel said. “They are more likely to pick up the phone or engage with a would-be scammer. They tend to be at home more.”
Pennsylvania has adopted various measures to combat identity theft by focusing on individual complaint management, legal enforcement, and public education. The Attorney General’s Office assists fraud victims by connecting them with law enforcement and other resources. The state has also pursued legal actions, such as settlements with Rutter’s and Marriott following data breaches impacting Pennsylvania residents.
Public awareness programs emphasize phishing scams and data security best practices. Additionally, the state’s legal framework includes the Breach of Personal Information Notification Act (BOPINA), requiring companies to report data breaches under specific conditions. Abel stressed that the law allows the state to investigate breaches and take necessary legal action.
Abel stressed the importance of common-sense measures to combat fraud. These measures include using strong, frequently updated passwords, verifying the legitimacy of websites, and being cautious of unsolicited phone calls or offers. During the holiday season, individuals should be particularly vigilant against phishing scams, which often come in the form of text messages or emails about delayed packages or other fraudulent alerts.
He advised consulting with trusted individuals about suspicious communications before taking action. Consumers are encouraged to remain informed and take precautions to protect their personal information, as identity theft and fraud continue to climb.
