Henderson Police Department Launches Fraud Awareness Campaign to Protect Seniors

HENDERSON, Nev. (Nov. 19, 2025) – The Henderson Police Department has launched a comprehensive fraud awareness campaign to help protect seniors from financial scams. The campaign, themed “Stop Fraud,” highlights the growing threat of scams targeting older adults. 

The initiative includes a Public Service Announcement (PSA), educational brochures, a community magazine feature, community workshops, social media messaging and a dedicated webpage with resources to recognize and prevent fraud.

The Public Safety Announcement video features a real-life testimony from a Henderson resident who was deceived by a scammer impersonating an FBI agent over the phone. The fraudster’s convincing tactics led the victim to withdraw $22,500 from their bank account. Thanks to the work of the Henderson Police Department, the funds were later reimbursed. 

In another case, a Henderson resident, received a spoofed call and email appearing to come from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The message falsely claimed she was a victim of identity theft and under federal investigation for money laundering and drug trafficking. The scammers instructed her to contact the DEA and transfer $72,000 to protect her assets. Fortunately, HPD’s Financial Crimes Unit intervened before any money was lost, verified the fraud, and helped secure her accounts. An arrest has since been made in connection with this case.

“This campaign is about safeguarding the dignity, independence, and financial security of those who built the communities we live in today,” said Henderson Police Chief Reggie Rader. “Criminals continue to evolve their tactics, preying on seniors who have worked hard their entire lives and should be enjoying their retirement in peace. Identity fraud schemes pose a serious threat to older Americans, and education along with early reporting are critical to stopping these crimes before financial harm occurs.

Dating back to 2024, HPD’s Financial Crimes Unit has been investigating a series of sophisticated thefts in which scammers specifically targeted members of the senior community through email messages and pop-up alerts. In these scams, suspects impersonate agents from various federal agencies—including the FBI, DEA, Treasury Department, and Federal Trade Commission. The fraudsters then instruct victims to withdraw large sums of money from their bank accounts “to protect their assets” or “post a bond,” claiming a federal agent will arrive at their residence to collect the cash for safekeeping until the investigation concludes.

These senior fraud scams have predominantly targeted elderly victims across the Las Vegas Valley, with Henderson Police investigating numerous related cases. To date, these investigations have documented a combined financial loss of more than $1.1 million. 

HPD continues to work closely with local, state, and federal partners to identify suspects, recover funds, and prevent further victimization within the senior community.

“It is imperative to educate the public, specifically our older adults, about the significant adverse impacts of elder fraud schemes. Understanding these schemes is crucial for safeguarding their hard-earned money. The far-reaching consequences of these elaborate schemes can wipe out the life savings of seniors. Our office works with our local and federal partners to ensure that our seniors, their caregivers, families, and friends know the signs to look for to keep Nevadans safe from falling victim to these deceitful criminals,” said FBI Las Vegas Assistant Special Agent in Charge Rafilk Mattar.

As part of the campaign, HPD’s Fraud Division will host two senior fraud prevention classes: Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 17 at 12 p.m. Both sessions will be held at the West Henderson Police Station at 2222 Via Inspirada, Henderson, NV 89044.

The most common scams affecting seniors include romance scams, phishing schemes, tech support fraud, and identity theft, as well as schemes involving government agency impersonators and cryptocurrency scams. These crimes often exploit trust and emotion, using fear or urgency to pressure victims into sharing personal information or sending money.

The public can visit cityofhenderson.com/StopFraud to watch the PSA, download brochures, and access fraud prevention information. Seniors and caregivers are encouraged to report suspected scams to the Henderson Police Department at (702) 267-4750 or visit the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.

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