Nevada Gaming Control Board warns casinos of sophisticated scam targeting casino cage employees

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has issued a warning to casinos across the state regarding a sophisticated scam targeting cage employees. The scam, which involves imposters posing as casino executives, has already resulted in significant losses, with the largest known incident netting $1.7 million. 

The NGCB's notice comes after downtown Las Vegas casino Circa fell victim to the scam last month, where an employee was deceived into delivering bags of cash to individuals at multiple locations on the pretext of emergency payments, amounting to $1.7M.

Erik Gutierrez-Martinez, 23, has been charged in connection with the case and is also suspected of targeting casinos in Mesquite and Laughlin using a similar scheme. 

The scam involves criminals using social engineering tactics to manipulate cage employees into withdrawing cash and taking the funds offsite for supposed emergency payments.

The initial contact is made through PBX calls (business telephone system), followed by text messages sent to the employee's cell phone to confirm the fraudulent instructions. The scammers exploit the fear of negative consequences for the employees and the casino to prompt immediate action.

"The cage scam is sophisticated and has been surprisingly effective in defrauding casinos," stated the NGCB report. "Subjects gain information about high-level casino owners, employees, and managers involved in money operations. They then contact cage employees using various scenarios to manipulate them based on a fear of consequences for casino employees and/or operations."

"When employee hesitates or resists prompt action, subjects state there is extreme urgency for the offsite payment. Additionally, inferences are made that an employee bonus will be paid for the inconvenience of the unorthodox assignment."

The NGCB has observed that the scam is evolving, with perpetrators shifting their tactics to target gaming pits and other areas within the casinos. In response, the NGCB urges casino operators to review their security protocols and ensure that employees are informed about the scam to prevent further incidents. 

If anyone suspects fraudulent attempts at a licensed property, they are encouraged to contact the NGCB's Enforcement Division at 702-383-7500. This scam is not limited to Nevada, as similar incidents have been reported in other states as well.