Street Scams in Las Vegas, USA
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Las Vegas — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Miami, Boston, and New Orleans.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Street Scams Scams
13
Total in Las Vegas
How it works
Showgirls, superheroes, and mascot characters positioned along the Las Vegas Strip pose for photos with tourists and then demand $20–50 per person afterward — never disclosing a price upfront. Some performers work in pairs to physically surround tourists, and a number of incidents involve performers grabbing a tourist's phone and refusing to return it until paid. The behavior is especially aggressive between Planet Hollywood and The LINQ.
How it works
Costumed performers and living statues on the Fremont Street Experience and the Strip pose for photos with tourists then demand large tips, sometimes becoming aggressive or grabbing tourists who try to walk away without paying. Some quote a fixed price only after the photo is taken.
See all scams in Las Vegas
13 total warnings across all categories