A message that looks urgent and official is landing on phones across Nevada, but Nevada State Police say it is a scam designed to pressure people into paying money or giving up personal information.
Officials are warning people across Nevada about a scam designed to look official, but it is not coming from the state.
The Nevada Office of Emergency Management is alerting the public to fraudulent text messages claiming to be from the Nevada Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The messages say the recipient has an outstanding or overdue traffic ticket and must pay immediately.
Nevada State Police say the scam has escalated, with some messages using alarming language such as “FINAL COURT-ORDERED MANDATORY COLLECTION NOTICE.” The texts claim a traffic violation account is delinquent and in default, and that deadlines have expired.
Officials say those messages are fraudulent.
Authorities said the texts are designed to get people to scan a QR code, which can lead to requests for personal or financial information, payment for fees that do not exist, or even malware being downloaded onto a device.
Authorities from both agencies said they do not send text messages demanding payment, threatening legal action, or directing people to resolve violations through QR codes.
Officials said the messages are not from any legitimate Nevada state agency. The notices appear to be generated using artificial intelligence and combine references to multiple unrelated state agencies. The Nevada Office of Emergency Management does not handle traffic violations, driver’s licenses, DMV records, or any type of debt collection.
The agency is working with the Nevada Threat Analysis Center, state IT security personnel, and the Governor’s Office to share information about the scam.
Officials said there are several warning signs. Messages may include generic greetings or signatures and may appear to come from government staff without verification. Some may include state or agency logos that appear misspelled, incorrect, faint, or blurry.
Scammers often create urgency, telling people they have an unpaid violation and face consequences if they do not act quickly. Messages may threaten license suspension, credit damage, or legal action. State agencies do not notify people of traffic violations through unsolicited text messages and do not request payment through QR codes, personal links, or third-party payment sites.
Officials also warn not to provide personal or financial information, including credit card or bank details, in response to these messages.
Troopers advise people not to scan QR codes, click links, or provide any information. The message should be deleted immediately.
Anyone with questions or additional information can contact the Nevada Threat Analysis Center by email at keepnevadasafe@dps.state.nv.us.
For legitimate information about fees or government notices, people should contact the appropriate department directly using verified contact information.
Suspicious messages can also be reported using a phone or email junk reporting feature or by contacting the Nevada Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission.
