Greg's Corner

Eviction Scam Hits Las Vegas Neighborhoods

By Greg Collier

Las Vegas officials are urging residents to be cautious after reports of scammers going door-to-door claiming they can stop eviction proceedings in exchange for upfront payments and personal information. The scheme specifically targets tenants in vulnerable housing situations across the Las Vegas Valley, preying on those facing instability and urgent financial stress.

The fraudulent operation typically involves individuals approaching residents who may be behind on rent or already facing eviction. These scammers present themselves as representatives of organizations capable of halting legal proceedings before an alleged deadline. They request immediate payment along with personal details, including identification and financial information, under the pretense that such information is needed to intervene. Officials have stressed that no legitimate eviction assistance group conducts business in this manner.

Beyond the immediate financial loss, victims face other serious risks. Under Nevada law, individuals posing as eviction assistance providers and collecting money or personal information under false pretenses could be charged with fraud, theft, or identity theft. For residents, sharing sensitive data such as Social Security numbers or banking details can lead to long-term consequences, including unauthorized withdrawals, fraudulent loans, and stolen benefits. In some cases, the damage from identity theft can take years to resolve, costing victims far more than the initial payment.

Real help for tenants facing eviction is available only through established legal channels and trusted nonprofit organizations. The Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada offers guidance and representation, with in-person support available at the Civil Law Self-Help Center in the Regional Justice Center. Free resources, including forms and instructions, can also be accessed online. The organization can be reached by phone for verified assistance.

Housing-related fraud is not new to the area. Past cases have shown how easily renters can be targeted through schemes involving illegal side payments and exploitation of housing voucher programs. The current door-to-door scam reflects a continued pattern of criminal activity aimed at those least able to withstand financial loss. While this warning focuses on the Las Vegas Valley, such scams are not bound by geography. Any community experiencing high eviction rates or widespread financial hardship could become a target, particularly neighborhoods where residents may be desperate for immediate relief.

Authorities advise residents to be immediately suspicious of unsolicited visitors promising to stop evictions. Those in need should contact verified organizations directly and avoid giving money or personal details to unverified individuals. Protecting personal information and seeking assistance only from trusted sources remain the most effective defenses against these schemes.