- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Las Vegas Scams Target Millions of Tourists Annually
Fraudsters employ a variety of tactics, from rigged casino games to identity theft, to deceive visitors to the entertainment capital.
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Las Vegas, a city renowned for its entertainment and casinos, also attracts a significant number of scammers preying on unsuspecting tourists. With over 40 million visitors each year, the city presents ample opportunities for fraudulent schemes, resulting in millions of dollars lost annually, according to reports. Scammers employ a variety of tactics, ranging from rigged games to identity theft, to deceive visitors.
Why it matters
Understanding these scams is crucial for protecting oneself and enjoying a safe trip to Las Vegas, one of the world's top tourist destinations. The high volume of tourists and their disposable income make the city a prime target for hustlers, highlighting the need for vigilance and awareness among visitors.
The details
Within the casinos, scams include card switching, chip theft, false slot tickets, and potentially rigged slot machines. Outside the casinos, street performers and hustlers engage in scams like the three-card monte game. Financial scams include currency exchange scams, ATM skimming, and unexpected convenience fees. Accommodation-related scams involve fake parking attendants, misleading hotel room phone charges, and rental scams. Other common rip-offs include pickpocketing, street merchandise scams, fake charities, and inflated mini-bar charges.
- Las Vegas welcomes over 40 million visitors annually.
The players
Las Vegas
A city renowned for its entertainment and casinos, but also a prime target for scammers preying on unsuspecting tourists.
Scammers
Individuals who employ a variety of tactics, ranging from rigged games to identity theft, to deceive visitors to Las Vegas.
What’s next
Experts recommend several precautions to avoid becoming a victim of scams in Las Vegas, including being alert, using registered transportation, and steering clear of offers that seem too good to be true. Staying informed about common scams and exercising caution can help tourists protect their wallets and enjoy their trip to Sin City.
The takeaway
Las Vegas, a city known for its entertainment and casinos, also attracts a significant number of scammers who prey on unsuspecting tourists. Understanding the various scams and taking precautions is crucial for visitors to protect themselves and have a safe and enjoyable trip to this popular destination.
Las Vegas top stories
Las Vegas events
Feb. 15, 2026
Haunted Brunch At The Magician's RoomFeb. 15, 2026
Drag Brunch at Hamburger Mary'sFeb. 15, 2026
Blue Man Group Las Vegas




