LAS VEGAS (June 3, 2025) — The Nevada Bankers Association (NBA) is urging Nevadans to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from the growing threat of financial scams. As fraudsters become more sophisticated – often using advanced technology and psychological tricks – the NBA offers practical, easy-to-follow guidance to help everyone stay a step ahead.
1. All in the family password: your secret shield
Scammers are getting creative, sometimes even using AI to mimic the voices of loved ones. It’s increasingly common for fraudsters to call and claim a family member is in trouble, hoping panic will override your judgment. The fix? Establish a family password. If someone calls or messages asking for urgent help, calmly request the password before you do anything else. A real family member will know it—a scammer won’t.
If the caller says your loved one can’t speak, don’t panic. Offer to call 911 and merge the calls. If they mention a hospital, hang up and call the hospital directly using a number you find yourself. Never trust caller ID; it can be faked.
How to start: Pick a unique password, share it only with trusted family, and never reveal it to anyone else.
2. Lock, block, and protect your Social Security number
Data breaches have put millions of Social Security numbers at risk. That nine-digit number is a key to your identity and future benefits, so it’s critical to lock it down.
Lock: Create a free “my Social Security” account at ssa.gov to prevent anyone else from claiming your benefits or opening an account in your name.
Block: Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a block on changes to your SSN information. This stops unauthorized updates to your name or address.
Protect: Use the free self-lock tool at myeverify.uscis.gov to prevent your number from being used fraudulently for employment.
These steps are free and only take a few minutes, but they offer powerful protection against identity theft.
3. Lock out tax scams and fraudulent filers
Tax-related scams happen year-round, not just during filing season. The IRS will never threaten arrest, demand payment via gift cards or social media, or ask for personal information by phone or email.
To protect yourself:
- Set up your own IRS account at irs.gov.
- Never trust unsolicited “help” offers unless you’ve verified the tax professional.
- Enable account alerts to track changes and activity.
- Consider an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), a six-digit number that prevents anyone else from filing a tax return with your SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
4. Keep your money and bank account safe
Bank accounts are a gateway to your finances. Make sure you only download mobile banking apps from your bank’s website or official app stores. Malicious apps can compromise your privacy and security.
Best practices:
- Never share your login credentials with anyone.
- Use two-factor authentication when available.
- Monitor your account activity regularly and set up transaction alerts.
- Be cautious with wire transfers, Zelle, or gift cards – treat them like cash, and only use them with people or businesses you trust.
- If you get a suspicious call or text from your “bank,” hang up and call the official number from your card or statement. Banks will never ask for your access codes via phone or text unless you’re contacting them first.
5. Don’t get fooled: Spot the signs of a scam
Scammers can reach you by phone, text, or email – posing as government officials, bank employees, or even lottery representatives. Here’s how to spot their tricks:
- Red flags: Demands for instant payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards; pressure to act fast; requests for personal information; or instructions to deposit a check and send money back.
- Stay safe: Never share sensitive info by phone, email, or text. Don’t click on suspicious links. Verify unexpected requests directly with the company or agency. Use multi-factor authentication and check your statements regularly.
If it feels off, it probably is. Hang up or don’t respond – legitimate organizations won’t mind if you call them back on a verified number.
6. Beware of “too good to be true” investment scams
If a stranger – or even a new friend – shares an “exclusive” investment tip, especially on social media or over text, slow down. Scammers often build trust, offer a small “win,” then push you for a bigger investment before disappearing with your money. These “pig butchering” scams can be devastating.
Before investing:
- Ask why you’re being included and what the other person stands to gain.
- Verify credentials and platforms at brokercheck.finra.org, contacting the firm directly.
- Watch for red flags like guaranteed returns or pressure to act quickly.
- Steer clear of anyone touting “insider” information.
If you suspect you’ve been scammed, report it to FINRA or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
About Nevada Bankers Association
NBA is the united voice of Nevada’s diverse banking industry. Members are dedicated to providing the best financial products, services and resources to drive and support economic growth, job creation and prosperity throughout the state of Nevada. Visit www.nvbankers.org.
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