A new analysis of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data has identified Nevada as the state with the highest average rate of fraud reports per capita over a recent three-year period, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities to scams across the US.
The research, conducted by product comparison platform WhatAreTheBest.com, examined FTC fraud reports filed quarterly over three years. These figures were adjusted for population to calculate the average number of quarterly fraud reports per 100,000 residents in each state, revealing which areas experience the highest relative incidence of reported scams.
Nevada topped the list, recording an average of 192.20 quarterly fraud reports per 100,000 residents. Over the three-year period, the state saw 70,557 fraud reports, with victims reporting an average loss of $692.48 per incident. Colorado ranked second with 186.39 reports per 100,000 people, followed by Delaware at 183.19. Maryland, Florida, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Virginia, and Alaska rounded out the top ten, with Alaska having the highest average loss at $768.53 per report.
At the opposite end, North Dakota had the lowest average rate of fraud reports, at 97.94 per 100,000 residents, followed closely by South Dakota and Iowa.
Top 10 states most at risk of scams
- Nevada — 70,557 total reports; $692.48 average loss; 192.20 quarterly reports per 100,000 residents
- Colorado — 128,006 total reports; $524.82 average loss; 186.39 quarterly reports per 100,000 residents
- Delaware — 21,585 total reports; $571.33 average loss; 183.19 quarterly reports per 100,000 residents
- Maryland — 130,501 total reports; $595.85 average loss; 176.87 quarterly reports per 100,000 residents
- Florida — 452,222 total reports; $650.59 average loss; 176.60 quarterly reports per 100,000 residents
- Arizona — 148,823 total reports; $690.54 average loss; 175.19 quarterly reports per 100,000 residents
- Washington — 159,807 total reports; $594.12 average loss; 174.83 quarterly reports per 100,000 residents
- Oregon — 87,438 total reports; $514.50 average loss; 173.19 quarterly reports per 100,000 residents
- Virginia — 167,413 total reports; $546.48 average loss; 162.55 quarterly reports per 100,000 residents
- Alaska — 14,322 total reports; $768.53 average loss; 162.17 quarterly reports per 100,000 residents
Albert Richer, founder of WhatAreTheBest.com, emphasised the prevalence and cost of scams in the US: “Scams are one of the most costly crimes to Americans, with people reporting losses of hundreds of dollars in single reports. The huge number of reports in each state also goes to show how common this crime is, and how easy it can be to fall victim.”
Richer highlighted common tactics, including fake retail websites, counterfeit social media ads, phishing emails, scam calls, bank impersonation, tech support fraud, and government impersonation schemes. “These scams often create a sense of urgency, threaten consequences, or ask for sensitive information such as passwords, PINs, or one-time security codes. To avoid falling victim, never share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers or messages. Hang up and contact the organisation directly using a verified number. Be cautious of requests for payment through gift cards or wire transfers, and take time to pause and verify before responding.”
Richer urged consumers to protect themselves, no matter the state: “If you think you may have fallen victim to a scam, contact your bank immediately, report it to the Federal Trade Commission, and change any passwords that may have been compromised.”
Scam reports to the FTC have remained high in recent years, with consumers nationwide losing billions annually to fraud, including imposter scams, online shopping fraud, and identity theft. Official FTC data confirm elevated per capita fraud reports in states like Nevada, Florida, Georgia, Delaware, and Maryland, consistent with the trends identified in this analysis.