Nevada’s Secretary of State’s Office is urging residents to remain vigilant against scammers who may exploit concerns surrounding the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Fraudsters are increasingly impersonating government officials, law enforcement officers and financial experts to target vulnerable individuals, Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar said this morning in a news release. The warning comes as artificial intelligence technology makes it easier for criminals to create convincing fake communications.

“Scammers are always looking to take advantage of those in vulnerable situations,” Aguilar said in a statement. “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.”

Scams involving digital assets, social media impersonation and AI-generated content rank among the top threats this year, according to the 2025 Enforcement Report from the North American Securities Administrators Association.

Modern technology allows fraudsters to clone voices, generate fake videos and impersonate trusted individuals or organizations, officials said. These tactics can trick victims into sharing personal information, transferring money or granting remote access to their devices.

State officials recommend residents verify any communication claiming to be from a government agency by contacting the office directly using contact information found on official websites. The Secretary of State’s Securities Division can be reached at (702)-486-2440.

Authorities also warn against fraudsters impersonating investment professionals, often using fake websites to appear credible. Individuals and companies must be licensed in Nevada to conduct securities business in the state.

Officials particularly caution against AI-generated scams impersonating family members or friends in distress. These scams often include urgent pleas for money accompanied by directives not to tell other family members.

The office encourages anyone who suspects investment fraud to report it.