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Las Vegas, United States
13 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Las Vegas, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Showgirl, superhero, and mascot performers on the Strip demand $20–50 per person for photos with no price disclosed upfront, sometimes surrounding tourists or holding a phone until paid.
Taxis and rideshare drivers take a deliberately long "scenic" route from the airport to Strip hotels to inflate the fare (long-hauling), sometimes recommending clubs that pay them a kickback.
Some Strip restaurants and bars add an unlisted "resort" or "entertainment" fee to the bill, on top of near-universal per-night resort fees not shown in the advertised room rate.
Unofficial street sellers on the Strip offering discounted show or club tickets, plus fake "VIP passes," that turn out to be invalid or nonexistent.
Calls claiming to be hotel staff request card or personal information to "confirm" a reservation or offer a fake promotion — real hotels don't ask for this by phone.
Fraudulent QR code stickers placed over legitimate ones on payment kiosks redirect payment to a scammer's personal account.
"Free dinner" scam: a new acquaintance claims a big casino win, invites a tourist to dinner, then leaves them with the bill ("dine and dash").
A self-proclaimed "gaming expert" offers advice at the tables, then demands a cut of any winnings.
Slot-machine distraction theft: one person drops something to distract a player who's just won, while an accomplice takes or swaps the winning voucher.
Pickpocketing in crowded casino floors and along the Strip at night.
Fake takeout menus slipped under hotel room doors lead to either stolen card details or no food at all when called.
Strangers on Strip overpasses and near escalators offer a "free" music CD, then turn aggressive demanding payment.
"Card slappers" hand out escort/call-girl cards on the Strip; prostitution is illegal in Vegas and the advertised service is usually a setup to rob the caller.
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