The city of Las Vegas wants to remind developers and residents that there are individuals who sometimes try to pose as the governemnt in order to collect fruadulent payments. Should you recieve and email asking for payment on a planning or zoning permit, entitlement or filing remember these tips:
- The city will send an email asking for payment through your online portal, not through an random email or wire transfer.
- If something looks wrong contact us at planning@lasvegasnevada.gov, or call 702.229.6301.
- You will not receive correspondence from the Las Vegas Planning Commission.
- We will not ask you to “reply directly to an email.”
- The city’s letterhead does not include a large city seal in the background that takes up the majority of the page.
General Tips To Avoid Fraud
If you receive a call from an unknown number, do not answer immediately. Allow the call to go to voicemail so you can assess its legitimacy. If the message appears credible, contact the organization directly using the official phone numbers listed on your account statements or the company’s verified website.
Many scams occur over the phone, with certain groups—especially seniors—being frequently targeted. Common examples include:
- The Grandparent Scam – A caller pretends to be a relative in distress and requests urgent financial help.
- Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers – Promotions or prizes that require payment or personal information.
- Bail Scams – Fraudsters claim a loved one has been arrested and needs money for bail.
Best Practices To Protect Yourself
- Establish a Code Word: Create a shared code word with trusted family members to verify identity in emergencies.
- Verify Independently: If contacted by a business or agency, look up their official number and call them directly.
- Resist Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure quick decisions. Take your time to evaluate.
- Hang Up if Unsure: It is not rude to end a call if something feels suspicious.
- Know Official Practices: Legitimate organizations—such as law enforcement agencies, the IRS or utility companies—do not request payments over the phone.
- Be cautious of any offer that seems too good to be true—it likely is.
- Be wary of anyone demanding an immediate response. This is often a tactic to prevent you from thinking critically.
- Always take time to research and verify before making any financial decisions or sharing personal information.