- Delaware leads the nation with 14 incidents per 100,000 population, over four times higher than the national average of 5.49.
- Widespread Concern: High identity theft rates are observed in states across various regions, including Ohio (22.81) and Colorado (21.86).
- National Overview: The top ten states average 44 incidents per 100,000, nearly 144.8% above the national average.
A new study highlights the escalating issue of identity theft in America, identifying the states most at risk in February between 2020 and 2023.
The research by criminal defense lawyers at Simmrin Law Group analyzed data from the FBI Crime Data Explorer, focusing on identity theft incidents reported each February between 2020 and 2023. By comparing the number of incidents to the average population of each state, the study calculated identity theft rates per 100,000 residents and ranked the top ten states most affected.
Delaware tops the rankings with 23.14 identity theft incidents per 100,000 residents, more than four times the national average of 5.49. Between 2020 and 2023, the First State reported an average of 234 identity theft cases in February, with 305 incidents recorded in February 2023—the highest in four years.
Ohio takes the second spot with an average of 22.81 identity theft incidents per 100,000 residents, a 315.4% increase compared to the national average of 5.49. The state’s population of approximately 11.78 million resulted in an average of 2,686.75 identity theft cases each February from 2020 to 2023. The Buckeye State experienced its highest number of incidents in February 2021, reaching 6,950 cases.
Colorado ranks third, reporting 21.86 incidents per 100,000, 298.1% higher than the national average of 5.49. With an average population of 5.83 million, The Centennial State experienced around 1,274.25 identity theft incidents each February between 2020 and 2023. In 2021, Colorado reached its peak, recording 3,093 incidents, the highest number in four years.
A spokesperson for Simmrin Law Group commented:
“The study finds a troubling rise in identity theft during the Valentine’s season across several states, particularly in Delaware, Ohio, and Colorado. During Valentine’s, online dating and digital interactions peak. Increased online activity and the use of dating platforms create more opportunities for fraudsters to exploit personal information. Identity theft can be a significant trap for individuals seeking connections online, as malicious actors use stolen data to perpetrate scams and fraud.
“Individuals in these states and beyond must be more circumspect in responding to online requests even from familiar names. Bios should be investigated and more proof should be requested before engaging with accounts online.”
Oregon is fourth with 11.39 incidents per 100,000 residents, more than double the national average. Between 2020 and 2023, the Beaver State saw an average of 483.25 cases each February and recorded the highest number of incidents (519) in 2021.
New Hampshire ranks fifth, reporting 11.21 incidents per 100,000, 104.1% above the national average. The Granite State’s average population of 1.39 million resulted in 156 identity theft cases each February between 2020 and 2023. In 2021, New Hampshire recorded its highest number of incidents, reaching 301 cases.
Maryland holds the sixth position with 9.94 incidents per 100,000 residents, 81% higher than the national average. The Old Line State reported an average of 613.25 identity theft cases each February between 2020 and 2023. In 2022, Maryland experienced its highest number of incidents, reaching 1,124 cases.
Nevada ranks seventh with an average of 8.87 identity theft incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 61.5% above the national average of 5.49. With an average population of 3.16 million, the state recorded approximately 280.25 identity theft cases each February from 2020 to 2023. Nevada experienced its highest number of incidents in February 2021, totaling 537 cases.
Washington ranks eighth with an average of 8.86 identity theft incidents per 100,000 residents – 61.3% higher than the national average. The Evergreen State, home to an average population of 7.77 million, recorded 687.75 identity theft cases each February from 2020 to 2023. The state saw its peak number of incidents in 2020, reaching 734 cases.
Minnesota ranks ninth with an average of 8.32 identity theft incidents per 100,000 residents – 51.5% higher than the national average. The state experienced an average of 475.50 identity theft cases each February between 2020 and 2023. Minnesota saw its highest number of incidents in 2021, reaching 965 cases.
North Dakota completes the top ten, holding the tenth position with an average of 7.95 identity theft incidents per 100,000 residents. Despite its relatively modest population of 779,425, the state recorded 62 identity theft cases each February from 2020 to 2023. North Dakota experienced its highest number of incidents in February 2021, with 90 cases reported.
Table of extended results
Top States Most Vulnerable to Identity Fraud
| States | Average Population (2020-2023) | Average Identity Theft Feb – (2020 2023) | Identity Theft per 100,000 residents | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 1011383 | 234.00 | 23.14 | 1 |
| Ohio | 11780075.5 | 2686.75 | 22.81 | 2 |
| Colorado | 5828706 | 1274.25 | 21.86 | 3 |
| Oregon | 4241173.5 | 483.25 | 11.39 | 4 |
| New Hampshire | 1391244.75 | 156.00 | 11.21 | 5 |
| Maryland | 6170932.75 | 613.25 | 9.94 | 6 |
| Nevada | 3157944.75 | 280.25 | 8.87 | 7 |
| Washington | 7765481 | 687.75 | 8.86 | 8 |
| Minnesota | 5718266.75 | 475.50 | 8.32 | 9 |
| North Dakota | 779424.5 | 62.00 | 7.95 | 10 |
The study was conducted by Simmrin Law Group, a law firm specializing in criminal defense, personal injury, and family law. The firm is dedicated to assisting individuals who have been wronged, are facing challenges, or have been unfairly treated by the justice system.
ENDS
P.S. If using this story, please credit and link to www.simmrinlawgroup.com
Methodology
The research analyzed FBI data focusing on February identity theft incidents between 2020 and 2023. The average number of identity theft incidents was compared to 100,000 residents to rank states with the highest identity theft rates in February.
Resources
- FBI: Crime Data Explorer → https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/crime-trend
- Population data → https://worldpopulationreview.com/states
- Dataset → https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13XHNNE-3up9sqLVi–ECMjDdxSupMiWNIqdgo1ASEck/edit?usp=sharing
- Study by → simmrinlawgroup.com
- Map → https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oX2RI0teT5L36bI9T44SWBHPODSbGrJR/view?usp=drive_link