Delaware
Del., N.J., and Pa. rank high for identity theft risk, finds WalletHub
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Delaware ranks among the nation’s most vulnerable states for identity theft and consumer fraud, with New Jersey and Pennsylvania following at 14th and 18th, respectively, in WalletHub’s latest report.
In 2023, U.S. consumers faced an estimated $10 billion in fraud-related losses, the report claims, up $1 billion from 2022, with identity theft playing a leading role.
Data breaches involving major companies like Microsoft, AT&T and Ticketmaster have significantly increased risks, jeopardizing personal information.
WalletHub’s recent study analyzed 14 metrics across identity theft and fraud and uncovered vulnerabilities for 2025. High complaint rates, financial losses and gaps in state-level protections placed Delaware as the second-most vulnerable state due to frequent fraud complaints and substantial financial losses.
Pennsylvania ranked 18th overall, with more than 314 theft complaints per 100 residents and an average financial loss of $8,228 per case. In 2024, the state’s Bureau of Consumer Protection handled over 34,000 consumer complaints and initiated 71 legal actions, including civil complaints, subpoena enforcement and bankruptcy actions.
John Abel, chief deputy attorney general for Pennsylvania’s attorney general, explained that demographic factors play a significant role in the state’s susceptibility to fraud. Pennsylvania has a substantial population of older adults, with an estimated 2.6 million people aged 65 or older according to the U.S. Census data, who are often more likely to engage with scammers.
Delaware
Buffalo woman pleads guilty to charges in connection with vandalism at The Terrace at Delaware Park
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Buffalo woman has pleaded guilty to charges in connection with vandalism at The Terrace at Delaware Park in October 2025.
The Erie County District Attorney’s Office announced that 40-year-old Stacy M. Matthews pleaded guilty before Buffalo City Court Judge Rebecca Town to one count of fourth-degree criminal mischief and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.
Erie County District Attorney’s Office
According to the DA, on October 16, 2025, Matthews drove six juveniles under her care to a business on Lincoln Parkway, and the juveniles, between the ages of 10 and 16, intentionally vandalized outdoor furniture and windows, causing approximately $2,000 in damage to the property.
The DA said that as a condition of the plea, Matthews signed a Confession of Judgment to pay $2,000 in restitution to the victim. Matthews faces a maximum of 364 days in jail when she is sentenced on June 9, 2026 and a temporary order of protection, issued on behalf of the property owner, remains in effect.
7 News spoke with Mike Shatzel, co-owner of The Terrace at Delaware Park, where the vandalism occurred, last October.
“It’s just disturbing that people have nothing better to do than come and just destroy things,” Shatzel said in October.
You can watch our previous story below.
WATCH: The Terrace at Delaware Park vandalized multiple times over the last two weeks
The Terrace at Delaware Park vandalized multiple times over the last two weeks
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 10:58AM
RADNOR TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — A multimillion-dollar home went up in flames in Delaware County.
Heavy flames burned through the house along the 800 block of Lesley Drive in Radnor Township.
Action News has been told that everyone inside the home made it out safely.
The fire appeared to start in the attic, and went to three alarms, as smoke and flames continued to pour from the roof.
It took over two hours to get things under control.
The home is said to be a total loss.
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Some are figuring out what they need to do next because of what voters decided in last week’s election. In Delaware County, the levy for the Board of Developmental Disabilities just barely failed. Here’s what it means for the board and the people they support.
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