Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid overpriced or non-metered taxis. Always use licensed cabs and ask for the rate upfront.
- Unlicensed Taxis: They may charge excessive fees or refuse to use a meter.
- No Upfront Fee Quotation: This is a red flag for potential overcharging.
- Safety Concerns: Unlicensed drivers may not have proper background checks, putting your safety at risk.
2. Slot Machine Cheats
Be aware of tampered machines or suspicious behavior around them. Report any issues to casino staff.
- Tampered Machines: They may have been manipulated to pay less than the stated odds.
- Suspicious Behavior: Individuals may be trying to cheat the machine or monitor your play for future exploitation.
- Reporting Issues: Casino staff are trained to recognize and address these issues, so it's crucial to inform them if you see something suspicious.
3. Counterfeit Ticket Scams
Beware of cheap or hard-to-find show tickets. Only purchase from authorized vendors or the venue box office.
- Cheap Tickets: These may be counterfeit, providing a poor experience or no entry at all.
- Unauthorized Vendors: They may sell tickets that are stolen or duplicates of sold-out shows.
- Venue Box Office: It's the most reliable source for purchasing show tickets in Las Vegas.
4. Street Performer Scams
Enjoy street performances, but be cautious of any performers asking for money upfront or demanding a tip for a show that never materializes.
- Upfront Payment: A genuine performer should not ask for payment before the performance.
- No Show Materialization: If a performer demands a tip but doesn't deliver a show, it could be a scam.
- Reporting Scams: Inform local authorities if you encounter a scam artist.
5. Bottle Service Scams
Be aware of clubs selling empty or low-quality bottles at premium prices. Verify the quality and quantity beforehand.
- Empty Bottles: Clubs may sell empty bottles to unsuspecting customers.
- Low-Quality Spirits: They may water down the alcohol or use lower-quality spirits.
- Premium Prices: Ensure you're getting what you pay for in terms of quality and quantity.
6. Overpriced Souvenirs
Avoid street vendors selling overpriced or poor-quality souvenirs. Visit official shops or casinos for authentic items.
- High Prices: Street vendors often charge significantly more than official stores.
- Low Quality: Street-bought souvenirs may be of poor quality or counterfeit.
- Official Shops: These stores offer authentic items at competitive prices.
7. ATM Skimming Scams
Use well-lit, indoor ATMs or those attached to a bank. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
- Indoor ATMs: They are less likely to have skimming devices installed.
- Bank-Attached ATMs: These machines are closely monitored and less susceptible to tampering.
- Shoulder Surfing Prevention: Cover the keypad to protect your PIN from prying eyes.
8. Gondola Scams
Be wary of gondoliers asking for extra tips or selling items during the ride. Enjoy the experience, but stick to the standard tipping guidelines.
- Extra Tips: Gondoliers may ask for tips beyond the standard amount.
- Item Sales: They may try to sell items or services during the ride, often at inflated prices.
- Standard Tipping Guidelines: A standard tip of $2-$5 per person is appropriate for a gondola ride.
9. Magic Show Scams
Stick to well-known and reputable magic shows. Be wary of street performers promising exclusive or high-value experiences for cash.
- Reputable Shows: They offer a professional and reliable experience.
- Street Performers: Their magic shows may be low-quality or designed to separate you from your money.
- Exclusive Experiences for Cash: These offers are often scams, as the experience is not exclusive or high-value.
10. Fake Fortune Tellers
Avoid fortune tellers who demand large sums of money upfront for readings. Stick to reputable psychics or seek recommendations from trusted sources.
- Upfront Payment: Legitimate psychics should not ask for a large sum of money before the reading.
- Reputable Psychics: They have a good reputation and offer reliable services.
- Trusted Sources: Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or online reviews to find reputable psychics.
11. Overpriced Limousine Services
Book limo services in advance through reputable companies. Compare prices and verify the vehicle before booking to avoid overpaying.
- Advance Booking: It allows you to compare prices and find the best deal.
- Reputable Companies: They offer competitive pricing and reliable services.
- Verifying the Vehicle: Ensure the limousine is in good condition and matches the description before booking.
12. Phony Charity Scams
Be cautious of charity collectors asking for money on the street. Research legitimate charities in Las Vegas and donate directly through their official channels.
- Street Collectors: Their authenticity is hard to verify, and you may be contributing to a scam.
- Legitimate Charities: They have a proven track record of supporting the local community.
- Donating Directly: Avoid giving money to street collectors, and donate directly through the charity's official channels instead.
13. Counterfeit Casino Chips
Be cautious when borrowing or finding casino chips outside of the gaming area. Only use chips obtained directly from dealers or the casino cashier.
- Borrowing Chips: Avoid borrowing chips from strangers, as they may be counterfeit.
- Gaming Area Use Only: Chips obtained outside of the gaming area may not be recognized by casinos.
- Casino Cashier: They can provide you with official chips and help resolve any issues.
14. Spa Scams
Research spas in advance to find reputable establishments. Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics or unusual services being offered.
- Advance Research: It helps you find reliable and professional spas.
- High-Pressure Sales: These tactics may indicate a scam or poor service quality.
- Unusual Services: Be cautious of services that are not commonly offered at spas, as they could be scams.
15. Free Show Scams
Be wary of free show offers in public areas. These may require excessive upfront payments or lead to high-pressure sales tactics.
- Excessive Upfront Payments: Free shows may require you to pay for expensive add-ons or services.
- High-Pressure Sales: These tactics are often used to separate you from your money.
- Verified Show Providers: Only attend shows provided by reputable and verified show providers.