Nevada
Nevada officials warn of scams during government shutdown
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — With the continued federal government shutdown, the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office wants to warn the public about scammers hoping to take advantage.
Officials said some scammers are impersonating government officials, law enforcement, or financial experts using artificial intelligence, which makes it easier for criminals to create convincing fakes.
“Scammers are always looking to take advantage of those in vulnerable situations – and as Nevadans feel the impacts of the federal government shutdown and changes to social services, we’re urging the public to be on alert,” Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar said. “Nevadans should be wary of any urgent requests and always verify who is asking for their money or personal information.”
Scams that involve digital assets, social media, and impersonation are among some of the top threats this year, according to the 2025 Enforcement Report from the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA).
Officials said fraudsters can now clone voices and generate fake videos to impersonate trusted people or organizations, resulting in tricking victims into sharing personal information, transferring money, or granting remote access to devices.
“These scams are increasingly polished, personalized, and difficult to detect until after significant losses occur,” a release said.
The Nevada Secretary of State’s Office offered steps for the public to help protect themselves:
Verify official government communications
Verify that a communication from a federal, state, or local agency or other regulatory body is genuine by contacting their office directly using the contact information on their website.
Call the SOS Securities Division: (702) 486-2440, or reach out to the SEC, the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) and FINRA directly. For other agencies, be sure to independently search for contact information rather than clicking on links or calling numbers in the communication you receive.
Check before you invest
Fraudsters might also impersonate legitimate investment professionals — and many use phony personal websites to bolster their credibility. Individuals and companies are required to be licensed in the State of Nevada if they conduct securities business in or from the state.
- Call the SOS Securities Division: (702) 486-2440
- Check online: Search for broker-dealers and their agents here
- Search for investment advisers and their representatives here
Confirm any “urgent” pleas from family and friends
Be on the lookout for scammers using AI technology to impersonate family or friends. AI-generated tools might be able to access personal information about you online or on social media, so be wary of any unsolicited communication asking you to invest your money — even if it sounds like it was written just for you.
No matter how urgent the plea — especially when accompanied by directives such as “don’t tell my ___ [parents/spouse/roommates]” — take time to independently verify the situation before agreeing to transfer money or securities out of your investment account. Consider creating a password or phrase for family members to verify their identity in case of an emergency.
If you think you are a victim of investment fraud, or know someone who might be, the SOS Office encourages you to report it. Report investment fraud at this link.
RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Tickets for the return of the official State Fair of Nevada are now available, but only until the end of the month can you get 20% off your ticket price.
After a 16-year hiatus, the official State Fair of Nevada will return to the Nevada State Fairgrounds in Reno June 11-13. Early bird discounts of 20% are available through May 1 online with code EarlySFNV.
Ciara Ressel, public information officer with the Nevada Department of Agriculture, stopped by Morning Break to share what’s in store for the community during these three days of food, entertainment, agriculture and celebration.
The event will highlight Nevada’s history, communities and agricultural roots with a wide range of programming, including:
- Nevada Junior Livestock Show and Sale
- University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s 4-H State Expo
- Opening Night Ceremony and Concert featuring Caleb Montgomery
- Next Generation Youth Bull Riding
- Made in Nevada Farmers’ Market
- Walking Tour of Nevada
- Drone show
- Local vendors, food and art
- Carnival rides
- And more highlighting Nevada’s history and heritage!
Click here to learn more. You can also follow the state fair on Instagram and Facebook.
Copyright 2026 KOLO. All rights reserved.
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — First responders from across Nevada gathered for a free training session on how to better recognize and respond to people on the autism spectrum as part of a broader push following the passage of Senate Bill 380 last year.
The free, day-long session, hosted by the Autism Coalition of Nevada, brought together police, firefighters, and emergency personnel from agencies statewide for what organizers call a “train-the-trainer” model. It equipped attendees with tools they can take back to their departments and share with others.
The training is designed to help first responders identify key behaviors associated with autism, such as delayed responses, lack of eye contact, or repetition, and adjust their approach in high-pressure situations where those behaviors could otherwise be misinterpreted.
“The training is to help them understand what’s in front of them, which is a person on the spectrum, and not somebody that’s being combative or argumentative,” said Michelle Scott-Lewing, president of the Autism Coalition of Nevada.
Advocates said misunderstandings can happen frequently, sometimes leading to unnecessary arrests, and this type of education is aimed at reducing those outcomes.
Senate Bill 380, signed into law by Governor Joe Lombardo, requires autism-specific training for first responders and adds guidance around how officers should be educated on recognizing and interacting with individuals on the spectrum, marking a significant step toward more consistent awareness across agencies.
The session was led by First Responder Autism Training, a national program that travels the country teaching officers and emergency crews how to recognize autism indicators and respond appropriately, with real-world scenarios that emphasize slowing down and de-escalating.
Henderson police said their officers already receive training on a range of mental health conditions, but this builds on that foundation with a more focused approach.
“For officers to be able to recognize those signs and be able to understand like, hey, this person, even though they’re not talking to me or they’re not doing what I’m saying, that doesn’t mean they’re non-compliant,” Deputy Chief Matthew Murnane with HPD said. “It just means maybe, hey, there’s something else going on there.”
Organizers said they want to expand the training with an additional session this year in Northern Nevada, aiming to make it more accessible statewide and ensure more first responders have the tools needed to safely handle interactions involving people on the spectrum.
RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Birdies and Bliss is a women‑focused golf fundraiser for Northern Nevada Hopes that brings the community together for a day of connection, fun and giving back.
Meredith Tanzer, philanthropy associate, stopped by Morning Break to invite the community to this feel good event that pairs fun golfing with meaningful impact, supporting programs at HOPES that make a real difference for families.
This inaugural tournament takes place Monday, May 4 at Red Hawk and Resort. It marks an exciting beginning and reflects the generosity and strength of the community that supports our mission. Click here to reserve your spot.
Copyright 2026 KOLO. All rights reserved.
-
Detroit, MI19 minutes agoDetroit Pistons fans nervous but excited ahead of Game 5
-
San Francisco, CA31 minutes agoSan Francisco thieves targeting seniors who wear jewelry, police say
-
Dallas, TX37 minutes agoBefore The Boys, Chace Crawford Starred In A Dallas-Esque Drama With Don Johnson – TVLine
-
Miami, FL43 minutes agoBraxton Berrios, Bethenny Frankel and more stars hit Gaia Miami’s opening
-
Boston, MA49 minutes agoBoston Police Blotter: Man pleads guilty to ‘vicious’ 1979 murder of Susie Rose
-
Denver, CO55 minutes agoRecruit dies during Denver Sheriff Department academy training
-
Seattle, WA1 hour agoConcerned Alki Beach neighbors seek safety measures seen in other Seattle neighborhoods
-
San Diego, CA1 hour agoMan sentenced to prison in Hillcrest sexual assault