Adrian Berlutti
Identity theft isn’t equally common across the country. Some states struggle with large-scale fraud, while others see fewer reports thanks to geography, regulation, or lower digital exposure. These differences reveal how the environment and infrastructure affect risk. So, to start, let’s explore the states where identity theft is most prevalent, based on the latest nationwide complaint data.
Georgia
Scam reports have surged across Georgia, especially in metro hubs like Atlanta, where digital transactions are constant. The state reported 457 identity theft complaints per 100,000 residents in 2023—the highest nationwide, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Loan and lease fraud are among the top issues.
Texas
With over 100,000 reports in 2023, Texas remains a significant hotspot for identity theft. Urban areas like Houston and Dallas are heavily targeted through phishing, stolen mail, and fake credit accounts. The size and digital footprint of the state create more access points for large-scale fraud operations.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island continues to face major issues with fraud in tax refunds and benefit claims. The state logged approximately 216 identity theft complaints per 100,000 people in the last year. For such a small population, that unusually high rate consistently ranks it among the top ten in the U.S.
Nevada
Tourism in cities like Las Vegas contributes to Nevada’s unusually high risk of identity theft. The volume of short-term visitors makes personal data harder to secure. With over 400 reports per 100,000 residents in 2023, the state continues to see spikes in credit card fraud.
California
In 2023, Californians filed more than 115,000 identity theft complaints, the highest total number in the country. That figure reflects not just population size but the scale of past data breaches. Hackers have repeatedly targeted companies headquartered in tech-heavy cities like San Jose and Los Angeles.
Florida
Florida’s identity theft rate remains among the highest nationwide, even after a post-pandemic decline in unemployment fraud. In 2023, the state reported 438 complaints per 100,000 residents. Areas like Miami-Dade continue to report high rates due to scam networks targeting seniors and benefit systems.
Delaware
Identity theft complaints in Delaware reached 359 per 100,000 residents in 2023, surpassing the national average. The state’s role as a corporate registration hub may contribute to increased exposure. Business-related fraud and fake account setups remain persistent problems across sectors.
Maryland
Maryland frequently appears near the top of national identity theft rankings. The FTC reported over 18,000 complaints statewide in 2023, with many involving government documents and benefit fraud. Maryland’s proximity to federal institutions may heighten the risk, especially for those working in or around Washington, D.C.
Illinois
Chicago’s large urban population and economic diversity create conditions that allow fraud to thrive. Many victims report unauthorized attempts to access government services, along with schemes tied to unemployment insurance and tax refunds. Illinois experienced over 35,000 identity theft complaints in 2023.
Michigan
In Michigan, identity theft has become increasingly prevalent in credit applications and utility services. The state reported 235 complaints per 100,000 residents in 2023. Detroit has seen repeated spikes in reports, with scammers often using stolen identities to open cell phone accounts and rent properties.
Now, let’s turn our attention to states that report far fewer cases of identity theft—often because of less urban sprawl or lower levels of digital exposure.
South Dakota
Identity theft is relatively rare in South Dakota. The state reported just 94 complaints per 100,000 residents in 2023. With fewer major metro areas and less online traffic, cases involve isolated credit misuse rather than organized fraud networks or widespread digital breaches.
Idaho
Despite growth in its tech sector, many communities maintain strong connections and emphasize fraud prevention through ongoing education. These efforts help minimize risks posed by scammers. Identity theft complaints in Idaho reached approximately 120 per 100,000 residents in 2023.
Alaska
Reports of identity theft in Alaska hovered near 114 per 100,000 residents in 2023. Geographic isolation and a smaller population naturally reduce the risk of scams, although mail theft persists in some areas. Community awareness remains vital to prevent larger fraud schemes.
North Dakota
In 2023, North Dakota had only 118 complaints per 100,000 residents, placing it among the lowest in the country. The state’s geographic isolation and smaller population may reduce the risk of exposure. Most incidents involve low-level financial fraud rather than complex or recurring identity theft schemes.
Hawaii
Hawaii consistently ranks among the lowest states for identity theft, with an average of about 120 complaints per 100,000 residents. Strong data privacy laws and active consumer protection efforts help keep scams at bay. Island life also limits access points for large-scale fraud operations.
Vermont
Fewer high-traffic data centers and a slower shift to digital services may explain why Vermont sees less identity theft. In 2023, it was listed among the lowest ten for cases per capita. Most fraud incidents involve credit card misuse or small-scale online shopping scams.
New Hampshire
Identity theft remains rare across New Hampshire, with 138 complaints reported per 100,000 people in 2023. Local law enforcement and consumer education efforts have had a positive impact. These programs help residents identify fraud early and reduce the likelihood of identity theft occurring.
Maine
Few identity theft cases are reported in Maine, and the complaints totaled fewer than 130 per 100,000 residents in 2023. Its largely rural location and slower digital shift limit scam opportunities. Close-knit communities also play a key role in quickly detecting suspicious activity.
Wyoming
In 2023, Wyoming reported about 106 identity theft complaints per 100,000 residents. Its sparse population and close-knit communities help limit large-scale fraud. Most incidents involve isolated credit misuse rather than ongoing scams, which keeps the overall risk lower than in more populated states.
Montana
Residents generally report isolated instances of credit fraud or phishing attempts, rather than organized or repeated identity misuse. Montana continues to post low identity theft numbers, with fewer than 126 complaints per 100,000 residents. The state’s slower rate of digital adoption may reduce exposure to scams.
