Nevada Ranked as America's Most Deceitful State

New study finds Nevada residents lie, cheat, and scam the most compared to other states

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A new study has found that Nevada ranks as the most deceitful state in America, with one in five residents admitting they lie often and nearly 60,000 fraud reports per year. The study also revealed the top 10 most and least deceitful states across the country.

Why it matters

The findings highlight concerning trends around dishonest and unethical behavior among residents in certain states, which can have broader implications for public trust, consumer protection, and the overall integrity of communities.

The details

The study, which surveyed residents across the U.S., found that Nevada topped the list as the most deceitful state, with 20% of residents admitting to lying frequently. Florida had the most identity theft cases per capita, while Rhode Island had 40% of residents reporting they lie often. On the other end, North Dakota was ranked the most trustworthy state, with no residents surveyed reporting frequent lying and minimal fraud cases.

  • The study was conducted and published in February 2026.

The players

Nevada

Ranked as the most deceitful state in the U.S., with one in five residents admitting to lying often and nearly 60,000 fraud reports per year.

North Dakota

Ranked as the most trustworthy state, with no residents surveyed reporting frequent lying and minimal fraud cases.

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The takeaway

The study's findings underscore the need for greater consumer awareness, fraud prevention measures, and ethical education in certain states to address the troubling trends of dishonest and unscrupulous behavior among residents.