Explore the Archive

The FTC, along with Utah and Nevada Attorneys General, sued contact lens retailer Lens.com for deceptive pricing practices that artificially lowered advertised prices while charging consumers substantially higher prices through hidden "Taxes & fees" charges at checkout, routinely doubling the advertised price and costing consumers hundreds of millions of dollars. The company also used deceptive practices with its "AutoRefill" subscription plan, which automatically charged consumers for recurring shipments while obscuring the true total cost and preventing price comparisons with competitors.

Nevada's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit leads the nation with 75 convictions over three fiscal years, investigating healthcare providers who defraud Medicaid and handling elder abuse cases. In fiscal year 2025 alone, the unit conducted over 300 investigations resulting in 35 convictions, 25 indictments, and $18.5 million in recovered funds. The state is seeking new legislation to expand the unit's capacity to better protect taxpayers and patients from Medicaid fraud.

Phishing attacks targeting University of Nevada, Reno students, faculty, and staff have increased significantly in 2026, with scammers impersonating university members to solicit personal information, financial data, and login credentials through deceptive emails offering jobs, giveaways, or urgent money requests. Nevada residents lost $302 million to cybercrime in 2025, ranking third nationally per capita, with phishing emails commonly using external email addresses, phone numbers, and QR codes to bypass university tracking. The university advises reporting suspicious emails to [email protected], never clicking links from [email protected] addresses, and immediately ceasing contact with any phishing sources.

Nevada ranks second nationally for senior scam risk and leads the nation with 748 fraud reports per 100,000 seniors aged 60 and older—well above the national average of 522. The most common scams involve business impostors posing as legitimate companies, with losses varying by age group: younger seniors losing approximately $250 per scam, those 70-79 losing around $648, and seniors over 80 losing about $5,000. Scammers employ sophisticated tactics including creating false urgency and targeting different age groups through varying channels—social media and websites for younger seniors, and phone calls for those over 80.

Nevada ranks second in the U.S. for seniors vulnerable to scams, with median losses ranging from $250 for victims ages 60-69 to $5,000 for those 80 and older, according to research analyzing FBI and FTC data. Senior fraud losses in Nevada grew 42% year-over-year, with scammers using varied tactics including phone calls, social media, and websites depending on the victim's age group. Arizona, California, and Washington also ranked among the top states for senior scam risk, with younger seniors primarily targeted through social media and websites while older seniors are most commonly contacted by phone.

Nevada ranks second nationally for senior scam risk with the highest fraud report rate at 748 per 100,000 seniors aged 60+, compared to the national average of 522. The most common scams involve business impostors, with losses varying by age group—younger seniors losing around $250 per scam, those 70-79 losing approximately $648, and seniors over 80 losing about $5,000. Scammers typically create false urgency through phone calls, texts, and online channels, with older seniors more vulnerable to phone-based fraud.

Nevada ranks near the top of the country for AI-related scams, with victims losing an average of $36,000 per case as scammers use voice cloning and other sophisticated tactics. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reports that Clark County has also warned residents about phishing scams, including a fraudulent email claiming to be from the Comprehensive Planning Department. Experts recommend verifying requests by contacting companies directly, creating safe words with family members, and remaining skeptical of urgent requests, particularly those claiming to be from government entities or supervisors.

Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, face federal charges for running a romance and investment scam that defrauded 26 women of over $1.3 million between February 2022 and their August 2026 arrest. Love posed as an undrafted San Francisco 49ers wide receiver on social media, using fake NFL credentials, luxury car photos, and manipulated Google search results to maintain the deception, while the 49ers confirmed he had no affiliation with the team. The pair operated across multiple states (Oregon, California, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah) and were arrested at Boise Airport when authorities caught them attempting

A co-defendant in a major fraud ring was found guilty of exploiting an elderly person after conspiring with others to steal nearly $500,000 from a 64-year-old woman through an elaborate phone scam. The scheme involved impersonating a federal agent who falsely claimed the victim was under investigation for money laundering, pressuring her to convert her assets and 401(k) into gold bars and cash that were collected by courier co-conspirators across Nevada and California. Anil Kumar faces up to 40 years in prison at his September sentencing, while his co-defendant was previously sentenced to 35 years.

Scammers are impersonating Nevada County Planning by sending fraudulent emails with fake invoices requesting wire transfer payments from the spoofed address [email protected]. Nevada County Planning does not request payments via wire transfer and customers should verify all invoices through the official Accela system at permits.NevadacountyCa.gov or contact the agency directly at (530) 265-1222. Suspicious emails should be forwarded to [email protected] and recipients should avoid clicking links or sending payments.

A Las Vegas business owner defrauded over 400 investors of $24 million in a cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme, and Nevada has seen a surge in "pig butchering" scams targeting retirees and seniors, with Americans losing $9.3 billion to crypto-related crimes in 2024. The article argues that cryptocurrency operates in regulatory loopholes that traditional banks don't have, allowing fraudsters to move money overseas through platforms with minimal controls, making recovery nearly impossible once funds leave U.S. jurisdiction. The author, a Nevada county commissioner, calls for Congress to close these loopholes by extending anti-money laundering laws to cryptocurrency platforms and requiring them to follow the same compliance rules as traditional banks.

Cryptocurrency fraud is devastating American families, particularly seniors, with Americans losing $9.3 billion to crypto-related crimes in 2024—a 66% increase from the previous year. Scammers exploit regulatory loopholes that allow cryptocurrency platforms to operate without the anti-money laundering controls required of traditional banks, making it nearly impossible to recover stolen funds once they're sent overseas. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers (especially those promising guaranteed returns or FDIC backing), verify cryptocurrency platforms are properly regulated, and never send money to unfamiliar digital wallets or investment schemes.

Four Florida residents were arrested and extradited to Nevada after posing as federal agents and bank fraud investigators to defraud elderly Nevada residents out of substantial cash and valuables in May 2025. The scammers contacted victims by phone, threatened arrest, and then traveled to their homes to collect money and items, with the investigation revealing numerous additional victims across Nevada and the country. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited calls from people claiming to be federal agents or law enforcement, verify caller identities through official channels before providing information or money, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.

Credit unions and legislators are partnering to educate seniors about common scams, including romance schemes and AI-powered voice-cloning fraud. Representatives in Nevada, New York, and South Dakota are meeting with credit union leaders to discuss financial services priorities and consumer protection issues. Seniors should be cautious of romantic advances from unknown individuals online and be skeptical of unexpected calls claiming to be from trusted contacts, as scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence to impersonate voices.

Americans lost nearly $16 billion to fraud in 2025, with investment scams skyrocketing 36% to become the costliest category at $6.4 billion, followed by romance scams at $1.3 billion, according to FTC data. States like Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii experienced the highest per capita losses, while Washington D.C. had the most fraud reports relative to its population. To protect yourself, be especially cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities and romantic advances from online contacts, verify the legitimacy of investment firms through official regulatory databases, and never send money to unknown parties regardless of the promised returns.

Americans lost nearly $16 billion to fraud in 2025, with investment scams surging 36% to become the costliest scheme type at $6.4 billion, followed by romance scams at $1.3 billion. States like Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii experienced the highest per capita losses, while Washington D.C. had the highest fraud reporting rate overall. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities and romantic advances from online contacts, verify the legitimacy of financial advisors through official channels, and report suspected scams to the FTC immediately.

Zhao Wang, a Chinese national, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for leading a sophisticated international scam that defrauded over 2,000 elderly Americans of $27 million between 2021 and 2023. The scheme used fake refunds, technical support scams, and impersonation tactics via phone calls and emails to trick victims into sending cash and wire transfers to addresses in Southern California and Nevada, where accomplices used fake IDs to collect the money. Seniors should be wary of unsolicited refund offers, requests to wire money or mail cash, and should verify any claims directly with official institutions by calling known phone numbers rather than using contact information provided by callers.

Lawrence and Leasa Carter of Sun Valley, Nevada have been indicted on 69 felony charges for allegedly defrauding Nevada Medicaid of at least $2 million through a multi-year scheme involving fake companies, false service claims, and identity theft of vulnerable individuals including seniors. The couple, who had previously been terminated as Medicaid providers, used shell companies to conceal their involvement and submitted false billing for services never rendered. People concerned about Medicaid fraud or suspicious provider activity should report it to their state's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and seniors should monitor their medical records and benefits statements for unauthorized use.

A Sun Valley couple, Lawrence and Leasa Carter, has been indicted on 69 felony charges for allegedly defrauding Nevada Medicaid of at least $2 million through a scheme involving fake companies, false service claims, and stolen identities of vulnerable people and seniors. The fraud operated over several years using shell companies to hide ownership while submitting fraudulent claims for services never provided. To protect yourself: verify any Medicaid communications directly with the state, monitor healthcare statements for unauthorized services, and report suspicious activity to your state's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

A 77-year-old Nevada Navy veteran lost his entire life savings of $45,000 after clicking on a fraudulent social media ad claiming to offer government refunds, which led scammers to take control of his computer and manipulate him into making multiple wire transfers and cryptocurrency deposits over eight days. The scam exploited common tactics including fake legitimacy, social engineering, and pressure tactics that convinced Gordon to visit multiple bank branches and use Bitcoin ATMs. Gordon is now warning others to be skeptical of unsolicited financial offers online and to hang up immediately if something seems suspicious, while Meta acknowledged they removed over 20 million scam accounts in 2025 but continue struggling to stop evolving schemes.

Nevada lost over $302 million to cybercrime in 2025, ranking third in the nation per capita, with investment fraud, business email compromise, and tech support scams being the most common schemes. Elderly residents and cryptocurrency investors were hit particularly hard, with seniors reporting $115 million in losses and crypto-related scams accounting for $205 million. The FBI advises anyone who suspects fraud to immediately contact their bank and file a report at ic3.gov.

California has revoked over 280 fraudulent hospice licenses in the past two years as part of a crackdown on schemes where operators enrolled Medicare patients in hospice care without their knowledge or proper services, potentially costing billions in taxpayer money. The fraud affected vulnerable elderly patients across multiple states including Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Georgia, and Ohio, with some operators using illegal tactics like "license flipping" to avoid regulatory oversight. Patients and their families should verify hospice provider legitimacy through state licensing boards and Medicare's official resources, and report suspicious enrollment or lack of services to federal authorities immediately.

A new survey ranks Nevada as America's most deceitful state, with nearly one in five residents admitting to frequent lying and the second-highest rate of romance scams, while Florida leads in overall fraud and identity theft, and Arizona suffered the largest losses to romance scams at $53.7 million in 2024. The study highlights serious threats including a notorious "romance scam on steroids" in Nevada where a woman targeted elderly men through dating apps, as well as increasingly sophisticated AI-enabled voice cloning scams in Florida. Experts advise residents to be cautious with online dating profiles, protect personal information carefully, verify urgent requests from loved ones through direct contact, and report suspicious activity to authorities.

# Nevada County Inheritance Mail Scam Alert Nevada County authorities are warning residents about a fraudulent mail scam targeting vulnerable adults, particularly seniors, claiming they've inherited millions from a life insurance policy. The official-looking letters falsely claim the recipient shares a surname and nationality with a deceased person and offer to split 90% of a supposed $10 million estate between the recipient and a law firm. Residents should be skeptical of unsolicited inheritance claims and contact Nevada County Adult Services (530-265-1639) or the Sheriff's Office if they receive suspicious mail or suspect they've been targeted.

Three men were sentenced to federal prison for stealing $520,910 in pandemic unemployment benefits between August and October 2020 through a scheme involving stolen debit cards and fraudulent unemployment claims. Kamaldeen Karaole, Stephen Olamigoke, and Johnson Omodusonu obtained 168 UI debit cards issued by California, Arizona, and Nevada using stolen personally identifiable information, then made 529 ATM withdrawals in Indianapolis to steal funds intended for workers unemployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each defendant received sentences ranging from 2 to 4.25 years in prison and was ordered to pay full restitution of $520,910.

Impersonation scams targeting older adults have surged dramatically, with the FTC reporting a four-fold increase in reports of losses exceeding $10,000 and an eight-fold increase in losses over $100,000 (from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024), totaling nearly $5 billion in fraud losses in 2024. Common scam tactics include fake security alerts impersonating banks, government agencies, and tech companies like Microsoft and Apple, as well as fraudsters posing as FTC officials directing victims to Bitcoin ATMs or cash couriers. Arizona, Indiana, and Nevada reported the highest fraud complaint rates among

Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) co-introduced the Stop the Scammers Act, which aims to restore Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) funding that was cut in a Republican budget bill and establish whistleblower rewards for reporting financial wrongdoing. The bill seeks to reinstate consumer protections against fraud and abusive practices by financial institutions, particularly to protect Nevada residents who are frequently targeted by online scams.

Federal agencies coordinated the 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, resulting in criminal charges against 324 defendants responsible for over $14.6 billion in health care fraud, with particular concerns about fraudulent activity in the hospice industry in California, Texas, Nevada, and Arizona. The operation seized more than $245 million in assets, prevented payment on $4 billion in false claims, and included civil charges and settlements totaling $48.5 million. Vulnerable populations, including seniors relying on Medicare and Medicaid, were identified as primary targets of these criminal schemes.

On June 20, 2025, Rushabh Rajesh Desai, 35, of San Jose, was arrested by Nevada County Sheriff's Office deputies after attempting to scam a 75-year-old woman out of $30,000 through a phone scam; a vigilant friend called 911 while the scam was in progress, allowing deputies to intercept Desai's vehicle near the victim's residence. Desai was charged with conspiracy to commit crime, attempting to obtain money by false pretense, and elder theft. The sheriff's office emphasized that scams targeting elderly individuals are common and often go unreported due to victim shame, and recommends immediate action including

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada and FBI Las Vegas Division are reinforcing efforts to combat elder fraud during World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, noting that such schemes cost billions annually and affect over 100,000 elder Americans each year. The office charged Aurora Phelps with 21 counts including wire fraud, mail fraud, and identity theft for allegedly defrauding older men she met through online dating services; Phelps is currently in custody in Mexico. The Justice Department provides a National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-FRAUD-11) offering personalized support to victims age 60 and older, with case managers helping victims report fraud an

During World Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June, the U.S. Attorney's Office for Nevada and FBI Las Vegas Division announced intensified efforts to combat elder fraud, which costs the U.S. billions annually and affects over 100,000 seniors each year. The agencies highlighted a case involving Aurora Phelps, who faces a 21-count indictment for luring older men through online dating services and stealing their money; she is currently in custody in Mexico. The National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311) offers support to victims aged 60 and older, with officials emphasizing that reporting fraud helps authorities identify perpetrators and recover financial losses.

On June 20, 2025, Rushabh Rajesh Desai, 35, of San Jose, was arrested by Nevada County Sheriff's Office deputies after attempting to scam a 75-year-old woman out of $30,000 through a phone scam; a concerned friend called 911 during the scam in progress, and deputies located Desai's vehicle near the victim's residence before the money could be handed over. Desai was charged with conspiracy to commit crime, attempting to obtain money by false pretense, and elder theft. The incident highlights the importance of contacting law enforcement or a trusted person immediately when suspicious contact occurs, as this quick action prevented the

A Las Vegas couple, Jong Rhee, 45, and Neelufar Rhee, 34, were arrested in May 2025 and face multiple charges for operating a $57 million investment fraud scheme through their businesses Twisted Twins Motorsports and Lusso Auto Spa, where they promised investors extraordinary returns on luxury vehicles and boats allegedly being resold to overseas buyers who investigators say never existed. The couple claimed vehicles like a $526,000 Rolls-Royce could be sold for $7.5 million and promised one investor a $57 million investment could yield $2.5 billion, but instead allegedly used investor funds for personal luxury purchases, travel, an

Scammers are sending text messages impersonating the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, falsely claiming recipients have outstanding traffic tickets requiring immediate payment under a non-existent regulation. The Nevada DMV warns that they only contact residents via mail or email—never text messages—and legitimate communications never come from out-of-country phone numbers like those originating from the Philippines.

Scammers are sending phishing text messages to Nevada residents (and victims as far as Oklahoma) impersonating Las Vegas Courts with fake .gov addresses, demanding immediate payment for outstanding traffic tickets to avoid fines or legal action. Clark County and Las Vegas officials warn that legitimate court entities do not solicit payments via text, and advise residents to delete suspicious messages and verify tickets directly through official channels rather than clicking links.

This article describes a traffic accident, not elder fraud or abuse, and is therefore outside the scope of the Elderus database. The incident involved an impaired driver who crashed into a power pole in Sparks, Nevada, resulting in a power outage and DUI arrest—a public safety matter rather than a scam or fraud case targeting seniors or vulnerable populations.

The Reno Police Department arrested two men, Amit Bhanwala-Singh and Anil Kumar, in connection with a "pig butchering" elder fraud scheme targeting northern Nevada and California residents. The suspects impersonated U.S. Marshals to convince elderly victims that their assets were under investigation, then coerced them into withdrawing cash and gold; one 64-year-old victim from Truckee lost hundreds of thousands of dollars before the suspects were apprehended attempting to collect a fake gold package valued at $213,000.

Two California men were arrested in a "pig butchering" elder fraud scheme that targeted a 64-year-old Truckee woman, coercing her to withdraw and deliver over $213,000 in cash and gold between April and May 2025 by impersonating U.S. Marshals. Amit Bhanwala-Singh and Anil Kumar allegedly used fear tactics and false claims of asset investigations to manipulate the victim into making multiple transactions across Northern California and Nevada. The coordinated operation by Reno Police and U.S. Secret Service resulted in charges of obtaining money under false pretenses and exploitation of an older person.

Two men were arrested in Reno on May 14, 2025, for operating a "pig butchering" elder fraud scheme that defrauded victims of millions across northern Nevada and California. The scam involved impersonating federal law enforcement to convince elderly victims their assets were under investigation, coercing them into withdrawing cash and gold bullion for fake "agents"; a 64-year-old Truckee victim alone lost hundreds of thousands of dollars before suspects were caught attempting to collect a package worth over $213,000. Amit Bhanwala-Singh and Anil Kumar were charged with obtaining money under false pretenses and exploiting an older person.

A scam awareness seminar presented by the Better Business Bureau and Douglas County Sheriff's Office emphasized that fraud can affect anyone regardless of age, though seniors are disproportionately targeted due to having savings, home ownership, and good credit. Key scam tactics include robocalls, identity theft, and cryptocurrency investment schemes that use fear and urgency to pressure victims into immediate payment, with Nevada ranking fourth in fraud reports and third in identity theft cases. Protection strategies include regularly monitoring financial statements, reporting suspected fraud to relevant companies and agencies, and utilizing free resources like IdentityTheft.gov to create recovery plans.

Three individuals were arrested in Douglas County, Nevada in connection with extortion schemes using fraudulent emails impersonating Microsoft or offering unsolicited services, with threats escalating if payment was not made. Junyan Wu (22) and Lirui Diao (21) were arrested on May 2 in Genoa after arriving to collect money from a homeowner, while Quan Fu Ma (45) was arrested on May 7 in Gardnerville under similar circumstances; all three faced charges including extortion, exploitation of the elderly, and conspiracy. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office partnered with the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and other agencies on the joint investigation and is offering a free Senior

Seniors in Henderson, Nevada are being targeted by scammers using calls, emails, and AI-generated voices to steal money, with one woman's mother losing a quarter of her net worth over nearly two years before intervention stopped the fraud. According to the Federal Trade Commission, people lost $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, with seniors particularly vulnerable to employment offers, loan scams, tech support fraud, and AI impersonation calls. Former FBI agent Thomas Quilty recommends seniors establish secret code words with family, limit WiFi connections, use strong passwords, and report fraud without shame to help combat the growing problem.

Nevada officials warned seniors about rising SSA impersonation scams, following an FTC report showing Americans lost a record $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, with adults aged 70 and older heavily targeted. Scammers use spoofed numbers and fear tactics—claiming suspended Social Security numbers or unpaid taxes—to extract personal information, with Filipino-American seniors particularly vulnerable due to language barriers and cultural factors. Authorities recommend hanging up on suspicious calls, never providing personal information unsolicited, and reporting incidents to the FTC or Nevada Attorney General's office, while community groups advocate for multilingual prevention resources.

Barbara Trickle, an 80-year-old Las Vegas resident, pleaded guilty to operating a prize notice scam that defrauded over $15 million from thousands of elderly victims across the United States between 2012 and 2018. Using her printing and mailing company, Trickle designed and distributed millions of fraudulent letters claiming recipients had won cash prizes but needed to pay small upfront fees ($20-$50) to claim them; victims received only cheap trinkets or bogus reports and were repeatedly targeted with additional mailings. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service shut down the operation in February 2018, and authorities warn the public to avoid responding

Karina Singer is pursuing a Nevada Supreme Court appeal (Case No. 89171) involving allegations of elder financial abuse, fiduciary misconduct, and over $1 million in improper trust asset distributions from her late father Steven J. Singer's estate. The case was transferred from the Nevada Supreme Court to the Court of Appeals without addressing Singer's pending motions and evidence, which she contends violated appellate procedure rules and constitutional due process protections. Singer has filed an emergency motion to recall the transfer and retain jurisdiction, arguing the Supreme Court has a mandatory obligation to address the uncontested allegations of judicial misconduct and systemic failures in Nevada's probate system.

Congresswoman Susie Lee hosted a scam prevention event at a Las Vegas senior center to address growing fraud concerns as Social Security Administration changes create vulnerability among Nevada's 480,000 Social Security-dependent seniors. Older adults lost a record $12.5 billion to scams in 2024 (a 25% increase from 2023), with Nevada leading the nation in per-capita financial fraud and scammers exploiting confusion created by SSA office closures and policy changes.

The Nevada State Contractors Board issued a consumer alert warning homeowners, particularly seniors, to watch for contractor scams during summer months, including unsolicited door-to-door offers and suspicious online advertisements. Red flags include requests for cash-only payments, "free" inspections, pressure tactics, and mismatched company information, while protective measures include verifying contractor license numbers, obtaining multiple bids, and confirming employee status through the Board's website before hiring.

This educational article identifies New Jersey as the safest U.S. state for retirees based on FBI data analysis, citing low violent and property crime rates, minimal senior involvement in fatal accidents, and strong healthcare access. The article also lists nine additional safe states for retirement (New York, Mississippi, Louisiana, Nebraska, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Connecticut, Alabama) and warns against five states with higher risks of elder fraud, property crime, and scams (Colorado, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, New Mexico).

A 72-year-old Las Vegas woman, "Cozy" Giles, lost over $12,000 from her Citibank account after falling victim to a scam in January 2024, one of three fraudulent incidents targeting her savings. Despite reporting the theft to Citibank multiple times and contacting numerous agencies including the FBI, Metro Police, and the Nevada Attorney General's Office, she received minimal assistance and was told by the bank that she needed a subpoena to access her own transaction records. The case illustrates a broader problem: more than 369,000 financial abuse incidents targeting older adults are reported annually in the United States, resulting in estimated losses of $

Aurora Phelps, currently incarcerated in Mexico and awaiting extradition, has been indicted on multiple charges including wire fraud, bank fraud, and kidnapping resulting in death for allegedly targeting older men through online dating applications, drugging them with prescription sedatives, and stealing millions in cash, vehicles, and assets between July 2021 and December 2022. At least three of her victims died shortly after encounters with her, including one Nevada man she allegedly drugged and transported to Mexico City where he was found dead hours later, while another survivor emerged from a coma after she administered large doses of sedatives over a week. The FBI describes the scheme as "one of the most egregious and repreh