Nevada DMV says scammers are calling residents using real staff names
Fraudsters are citing fake warrants and demanding payment via gift cards or crypto, often from out-of-state numbers.
By Sanjay Caldwell ·
Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles officials issued a warning on November 4, 2026, regarding a wave of phone scams targeting state residents. The agency stated that fraudsters are impersonating government employees to pressure victims into paying for nonexistent debts.
The scammers use the names of actual deputies and supervisors to create a sense of urgency. They claim callers have outstanding arrest warrants, missed jury duty, or unpaid tolls. Once the victim answers, the caller demands immediate payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other untraceable methods. The fraudsters threaten arrest or legal action if the money is not sent quickly.
According to the DMV, these calls typically originate from numbers with different country codes, area codes, or private number labels. Callers often urge victims to remain on the line while they process the transfer or withdrawal of funds. The agency advises residents to hang up immediately if a caller asks for sensitive personal or financial information.
To verify the legitimacy of a call, the DMV instructs residents to contact the agency using a known, verified phone number rather than dialing the number provided by the caller. The department emphasized that it will never ask for payment via gift cards or crypto over the phone.
The warning comes as the DMV continues to monitor these fraudulent activities. Residents are encouraged to share the alert with family and friends to prevent further financial loss. The agency noted that the use of real staff names makes the scams particularly convincing for unsuspecting callers.
