Las Vegas Scams, Ripoffs, and Cons

Key Points:

• While my tone below is cautionary, rest assured, Vegas is a safe destination with ample police & security presence.

• Scams in Vegas range from common pickpockets to upcharges and borderline deceptive practices at legit businesses.

Right around 40 million people visit Las Vegas annually to party, sightsee, and amass a small fortune in the casino.

That volume of discretionary income flowing into the city is an invitation for hustlers to devise ways to part naive tourists from their money through scams, tourist traps, petty crime, and rip-offs… Some of which are perpetrated by legitimate businesses.

Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:

Common Scams

Pickpockets

Vegas is packed to the gills with folks carrying cash… many of them under the influence.

I keep my wallet in my front pocket, but a pickpocket-proof travel wallet is also a good idea.

Long Hauling

Some disingenuous cab drivers will take unknowing tourists on the longer “scenic route” to drive up their fare.

Solution: Use rideshare apps like Uber & Lyft.

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

People “In Urgent Need of Help”

I recently received an email from a reader who nearly fell victim to this scam twice.

He was approached in the parking lot by a couple claiming to have no cash for gas to get home.

The scammer offered his “gold” chain and ring in exchange for $200 to fill their gas tank. While this negotiation was taking place, a woman was pleading for help from the car. The target, fortunately, declined.

Hilariously, the exact same couple approached the same patron at a different casino the next day, not remembering they already tried to scam him.

This is obviously a scene that plays back over and over again.

Always be wary of someone “needing help”, and don’t feel pressured by the situation.

Street Performer Photo Shakedowns

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

Performers expect a tip for photos taken with them, but they’re not legally allowed to set a price. You’re free to tip what you want, though the performer will often ask for an astronomical amount, like $50 per person. Don’t do it.

Making matters worse, they’ll often make a scene or even get loud/accusatory to get their way. They feed off of unconfident pushovers.

Solution: Have a plan going in.

Generally, $5-$10 total (not per person) for a picture is sufficient, and always discuss compensation before striking a pose. Lead with something like “I only have a $10 – Will that be enough?”.

Bracelet Peddling Monks

There’s a small army of “monks” wandering the Strip, handing out bracelets. Once you take one, they ask for a donation.

Don’t. The bracelet isn’t worth anything, and they’re not fundraising. It’s a hustle.

Don’t even make eye contact as you pass.

Another derivative of this hustle involves guys handing out CDs (as in compact discs) of their music in an attempt to “get discovered”. The moment you take it, they hit you up for cash for the CD you didn’t want in the first place.

Don’t take one to begin with, but if you do, just hand it back.

I’ve been seeing this variation less and less as technology changes, fortunately.

Resort Convenience Stores

Convenience stores in popular Strip casinos have adopted a “surge pricing” model in many cases, where prices can change at a moment’s notice based on demand.

Because prices change frequently, these shops don’t even bother with price tags.

Ensure you ask for a price check before whipping out your Visa… Better yet, take a few more steps and stock up on toiletries, snacks, and drinks at one of the numerous CVS or Walgreens locations that now line the Strip – Trust me. You’ll save money. A lot of it.