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.