Protecting Nevada Seniors from Government Impersonation Scams
Government impersonation scams are surging nationwide, and Nevada seniors are not immune. In 2025, 231 older adults in Nevada reported government impersonation fraud to the FBI. Scammers pose as officials from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or law enforcement to frighten seniors into sending money or revealing personal information.
Why Nevada Seniors Are Targeted
Nevada’s population and culture create specific vulnerabilities that government impersonation scammers exploit:
- Retirement destination: Nevada is a top retirement state with no state income tax, concentrating wealthy retirees that scammers actively target
- Entertainment culture: Las Vegas’s gambling culture can make seniors more comfortable with risk-taking, which scammers exploit with investment schemes
- Transient population: Nevada’s high turnover rate means many seniors live far from family and long-time friends, increasing isolation
- Desert isolation: Outside Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada is extremely rural and isolated, with seniors hours from the nearest services
- Rapid growth: Nevada’s booming senior population is outpacing fraud prevention and elder protection resources
5-Year Trend: Government Impersonation Scam Losses in Nevada (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 51 | $310K | — |
| 2022 | 63 | $296K | -5% |
| 2023 | 59 | $787K | +166% |
| 2024 | 164 | $6.9M | +778% |
| 2025 | 231 | $4.5M | -35% |
| 5-Year Total | 568 | $12.8M | +1346% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for Nevada residents aged 60 and older.
Nevada ranks #20 nationally in government impersonation scam losses targeting seniors, with $4.5 million lost in 2025 across 231 reported victims. That represents 1.0% of all U.S. government impersonation scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed -35%, outperforming the national average of +95%. Over the full five-year period, government impersonation scam losses in Nevada grew +1346%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Government Impersonation Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Government Impersonation Scams in Nevada
- Office of the Nevada Attorney General: (775) 684-1100 | ag.nv.gov
- Social Security OIG: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: irs.gov/report-phishing
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Nevada Aging and Disability Services: (888) 729-0571
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from government impersonation scams:
→ Start Government Impersonation Scam Awareness Training (Module 5)