Scam Alert: Fake State of Nevada Fine & Penalty Notices

The Storey County Sheriff’s Office and Reno Police have issued a joint warning regarding a widespread “smishing” (SMS phishing) campaign. These messages are designed to look like official State of Nevada legal notices.

What to Look For

The messages claim the recipient owes immediate fines for:

• Overdue traffic tickets in Washoe County.
• “Unpaid administrative fees” related to business licensing.
• Immediate legal action if a payment link isn’t clicked.

The Reality of State Communications

It is important for local residents and business owners to remember: Legitimate Nevada agencies do not send initial notices of fines or legal matters via text or email.

The State of Nevada and local municipalities almost exclusively use the U.S. Postal Service for official legal notifications. If you receive a text demanding payment via a QR code or link, it is a scam.

Action Steps

• Do Not Click: Clicking the link can install malware or lead to a fraudulent payment portal.
• Block and Report: Block the number on your mobile device.
• Verify: If you are concerned about a real fine, contact the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or your local court directly using a phone number from their official .gov website.

Training your team to recognize smishing and other social engineering attacks is the most effective defense. Learn about High Sierra Cyber’s security awareness training for Reno-Tahoe small businesses, or contact us to schedule a free consultation.