This is the agency that is supposed to go after car dealers, auto mechanics, and similar types of businesses that have let you down, or failed to follow the rules, or scammed you. For example, if you fail to get a written estimate from a mechanic, and in your "gentleman's agreement," he or she tells you, "Oh, it's just going to cost around $200" to fix this or that; and then, when you return for your car, you're handed a bill for $1,200.00, and they fail to return the car until you pay it, you probably will want to, among other things, contact Nevada Compliance Enforcement. That is because, the mechanic was supposed to give you a written estimate. There are a host of rules and regulations in the Nevada Revised Statutes (related specifically to automobiles and other vehicles) that the Nevada Compliance Enforcement is supposed to enforce.
But are they just a tiger without teeth?
It is hard to say. Frankly, if you have been scammed (as in the example above), you would want to contact them. After all, it would probably take you less time and money than trying other options. (Although a lawsuit would also be effective). But how much this agency does, and how quickly or effectively, is probably debatable. It is free to get their help, and that is good. The best way to interact with them, it seems, in my experience, is to have another organization do it for you. For instance, if you complain about the above-mentioned example (the mechanic scam), and then, if you qualify, get seen by the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada (which provides free legal help to those below a certain income), and then Legal Aid contacts the Nevada Compliance Enforcement, NOW you are "cooking with gas," as my mother used to say. They will get on it (eventually), and something will happen (eventually). I saw this happen when a guy was scamming poor people (mostly undocumented immigrants) out of their money with a vehicle purchase scheme. This scoundrel was "selling" cars to folks that he did not own. The office helped out quite a bit, and I believe the thief was caught and prosecuted. read more