Las Vegas Scams, Ripoffs, and Cons

Las Vegas Scams To Avoid

Pickpockets

A destination filled with alcohol-infused tourists carrying copious amounts of cash is a haven for petty thieves.

Utilize your hotel room safe to store excess cash you don’t need to carry on your person and if you must carry, employ a secure travel wallet which is available on Amazon for around $10.

Long Hauling

A commonly known Las Vegas scam at this point, some disingenuous cab drivers will take unknowing tourists on the longer “scenic route” to drive up their fare.

Skip the stress and leverage rideshare apps like Uber & Lyft. Conveniently, the fare you’ll pay is transparently communicated before you even book the ride.

Although taxis recently rolled out flat rates from the airport, rideshare apps are still almost always cheaper.

Be wary though, even rideshare drivers can try to take you for a ride, albeit uncommon. I recently was quoted $15 to get from the airport to Caesars Palace, was picked up, and noticed that the driver deviated from the route suggested by Uber.

When I got dropped off, I was charged nearly $30!

I reported the incident to Uber through their app and was refunded for the entire ride within the hour – Impressive customer service.

Trust, but verify.

Street Performer Photo Shakedowns

Buskers are commonly found along the Strip and Fremont Street showcasing a talent or dressed as popular characters, showgirls, etc.

Performers expect a tip for photos taken with them, but they’re legally unable to set a specific price. You’re able to tip what you want, although they’ll commonly demand an outrageous amount like $20 or $50 per person.

Have a plan going into the engagement. Generally, $5-$10 total (not per person) for a picture is more than sufficient and I recommend discussing compensation before you strike a pose. Lead with something like “I only have a $10 – Will that be enough?”.

Don’t be pressured into paying more than you are comfortable with – They feed unconfident pushovers.

CD Hawkers

Aspiring musicians often look to distribute their music (or blank CDs that supposedly contains their music) on the Strip, hoping to get discovered.

They’ll hand you a CD as you pass by, almost as if it’s a freebie and you grab it because you’re polite. Next thing you know you’re being shaken down for cash in exchange for the trash CD you didn’t want in the first place.

Don’t be afraid to hand it back, it’s not worth your money. Better yet, blow them off in the first place.

This scam is not limited to CDs either – If anyone tries to hand you a polished stone, bracelet, or anything really – Just resist the reflex to grab it and walk past.

3 Card Monty (or similar derivatives)

Hustlers will set up shop on pedestrian walkways offering tourists the opportunity to double their money if they’re able to identify their chosen card after it is shuffled with 2 others or find a ball placed under 1 of 3 cups.

Here’s the answer to the test – it’s a scam – they switch out your card or remove the ball. You can’t win. If others are winning then they’re in on the hustle.

Do your gambling in a regulated casino, not with a few random dudes underneath a pedestrian walkway on the Strip.

Time Share Sales Pitches

Often the promise of discounted hotel rates, free shows, or tours is enough to persuade visitors to sit through a timeshare sales pitch. After all, how hard can it be to just say no and walk away with your freebie?

This tourist trap, though not criminal in nature, will often keep you held hostage for longer than promised upfront and will feature a HARD sales pitch.

When you’re inevitably approached by a random stranger on the street, or even near your hotel elevators asking “How long are you in town for?” or “Are you two married” reply with “We’re locals” and keep walking.

Better yet, don’t even respond or make eye contact.

In case you find yourself considering a timeshare purchase – Just google reviews for the timeshare company in question. You’ll change your mind real quick. This ripoff is not worth your time.

CNF Fees

A new, sneaky fee is creeping onto Las Vegas restaurant menus at an alarming rate.

The CNF fee or “Concession and Franchise Fee” amounts to 4%-5% fee tacked onto your final bill… for nothing.

Frustratingly, there’s barely a mention of the fee as it typically gets buried in the fine print at the bottom of a menu.

Currently, the CNF can be found (and avoided) at Beer Park, Alexxa’s, Cabo Wabo, and Chayo Mexicano to name a few spots.

Take a good look at your receipt before paying and ask for the fee to be removed. They’ll usually take care of it for you.

Casinos Keeping the Change

More and more casinos aren’t dispensing change at self-service ticket redemption machines. Instead, they give you the cash and print a voucher that you then have to redeem at the cage for your change.

Who’s waiting in an 8-person deep line at 3:48 am for 23 cents?! Nobody. Almost always, the vouchers get trashed.

It’s a small-scale Vegas scam, but still annoying.

Triple Zero Roulette / 6:5 Blackjack

Casinos, particularly in tourist centers have watered-down odds on certain games to the point I’d consider them to be a scam.

If playing roulette, find a double zero wheel, or better yet seek out a single zero variant (which can be found at Plaza).

Similarly, find a blackjack table that pays the traditional 3:2. That could require playing higher stakes on the Strip or heading off the beaten path to find a game.

If you are staying on the Strip, walk a few blocks behind Horseshoe to Ellis Island where affordable 3:2 blackjack can be found.

TITO Theifs

Playing slots? Keep possessions like slot Ticket in, Ticket out (TITO) vouchers, wallets, cell phones, etc secured at all times.

Criminals are known to snap items of value up unnoticed as they walk by.

Be aware that these scammers will work in teams. One will distract you while an accomplice scoops up the item of their desire. If it’s worth something, keep it in your pocket.

Phone Thefts

More and more slot machines within Las Vegas casinos offer wireless charging capabilities. While super convenient for guests that are low on battery, a phone in the open is a dream for scammers.

Like with TITO slips mentioned previously, watch out for distractions as thieves use them to their advantage.

If a stranger approaches you, the likelihood is high that his or her partner is creeping up from the other direction to snatch your charging, unguarded phone.

Trick Rolling

You’re enjoying a late-night cocktail and are propositioned by someone you assume to be a sex worker.

You happen to be a willing buyer and invite her up to your room. She tells you to hop in the shower to freshen up before the action starts, however, when you come out she’s gone, along with anything of value in your room.

Other variations of this crime include luring the John to a hotel room where they’re assaulted/drugged and robbed of their cash.

Prostitution is illegal in Las Vegas – Catch a ride out to where it is legal and regulated if you are looking to pay for companionship.