Las Vegas Tourist Scams to Avoid in 2026 (How to Stay Safe)

Key Highlights:

The Photo Trap: Never take a photo with a costumed character or showgirl without agreeing on a price first (expect them to demand $20–$100).
The “Bunk Monk”: If a stranger in robes tries to wrap a bracelet around your wrist or hands you a “peace” card, do not touch it. It’s a classic aggressive panhandling scam.
Taxi Flat Rates: For airport-to-Strip rides, ensure your driver adheres to the flat-rate zones (ranging from $21 to $30) to avoid “long-hauling.”
Pro Tip: Keep your wallet in your front pocket. Pickpockets love the “distraction” of the Bellagio Fountains or the Fremont light show.

When you’re walking down the Las Vegas Strip, surrounded by soaring fountains and neon lights, it’s easy to get swept up in the magic. But keep your wits about you—Sin City is a playground for hustlers who have spent decades perfecting the art of the “tourist trap.” From aggressive characters in costumes to “free” gifts that come with a heavy price tag, the scams here are as famous as the casinos themselves.

We have navigated the crowds from the Welcome Sign to the Fremont Street canopy more times than we can count. We’ve seen every trick in the book, and we want to make sure your bankroll goes toward a great steak dinner rather than a sidewalk swindler. Here is our honest, expert-led guide to Las Vegas tourist scams to avoid.

The Showgirl and Character Photo “Shakedown”

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It starts with a friendly “Welcome to Vegas!” A feathered showgirl or a person in a slightly-off Spider-Man suit will put their arm around you for a quick picture. It feels like a fun souvenir until the camera clicks.

The Showgirl and Character Photo Shakedown

Suddenly, the “friendly” character demands $50 per person in the photo. If you refuse, they often become loud and aggressive to embarrass you into paying. We have even heard reports of performers holding a person’s phone “hostage” until they get the cash they want.

Direct Answer: Street performers and costumed characters in Las Vegas are not city employees and work strictly for tips. It is standard to offer $5–$10 if you choose to take a photo, but you should always negotiate this before the picture is taken. Better yet, simply keep walking and take your own pictures of the iconic hotel exteriors for free.

The “Bunk Monks” and the Bracelet Scam

One of the most persistent hustles on the Strip involves men dressed in orange or saffron robes posing as Buddhist monks. They will approach you with a peaceful look and try to wrap a beaded bracelet around your wrist or hand you a gold “peace” card.

As soon as you accept the “gift,” they will pull out a notebook of “donations” and demand $10, $20, or more for a non-existent temple. Our advice? Real Buddhist monks do not aggressively panhandle or follow people on the Las Vegas Strip. If someone tries to hand you anything, keep your hands in your pockets and say “No, thank you” firmly.

Also Read: Las Vegas Shopping Guide | Best Malls & Outlet Deals

Long-Hauling: The Hidden Taxi Tax

“Long-hauling” is a classic Vegas scam where a taxi driver takes an unnecessarily long route (usually via the I-15 tunnel) to run up the meter. While the Nevada Taxicab Authority has implemented flat-rate zones from the airport to combat this, it can still happen on rides between hotels.

Airport-to-Strip Flat Rates:

Zone 1 (Sunset to Tropicana): $21.25
Zone 2 (Tropicana to Flamingo): $25.25
Zone 3 (Flamingo to Stratosphere): $29.25

The Solution: Use Uber or Lyft, where the price is locked in before you get in the car. If you do take a taxi, tell the driver, “No tunnel, please—take Swenson/Paradise.” It lets them know you aren’t a rookie who can be easily fooled.

Also Read: Top 10 Car Rentals in Las Vegas: Drive the Strip in Style

Summary & Final Helpful Tip

The Las Vegas tourist scams we’ve covered all rely on your politeness. Scammers count on you feeling too “nice” to say no or too “embarrassed” to walk away.

Our Best Helpful Tip: Master the “Vegas Power-Walk.” When someone approaches you on the sidewalk with a “free” item or a “quick question,” keep your eyes forward, don’t break your stride, and say, “No thanks, I’m late for a show!” It is the most effective way to stay off a hustler’s radar.

❓ FAQ: Las Vegas Tourist Scams to Avoid

Are the “Official Photographers” at the Welcome Sign real?

No. There are no “official” photographers employed by the city. These are locals looking for tips. You can hand your phone to the person behind you in line—most tourists swap photos for free!

What about the “Pizza Flyers” under my hotel door?

Never order from these. Scammers slide fake menus under doors to steal credit card info. You’ll pay for a pizza that never arrives. Use a verified app like DoorDash or Uber Eats instead.

Is the “VIP Club Pass” on the street legit?

Generally, no. Most of these “free entry” cards are just to lure you to specific bars where the person gets a kickback. For real entry, use the Discotech app or talk to a verified promoter inside your hotel.

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