The allure of the Sin City attracts tourists from all walks of life, including bad ones. Here are five rip-offs, tricks, and Las Vegas scams to watch out for.
Pickpockets
Las Vegas hotels, casinos, and busy streets attract huge crowds. With it comes pickpockets. Here, the fast-fingered predators identify their easy target, use the two-fingered tweeze effect or bump your wallet with their knee to grab it. Avoid becoming a target by placing your purse on your lap instead of the floor. Wear clothes with concealed zippered pockets to secure your loose change, bank cards, and phone.
Fake Monks on the Strip
Watch out for fake monks along the Strip. A scammer dressed as a Buddhist monk approaches you, puts a beaded bracelet or gold-colored medallion on you and asks for a donation. Other times, they may promise to take you on a tour of a non-existent Buddhist temple. If you offer little or no contribution, the scammer snatches back the bracelet or insults you.
Ticket Redemption Machines Don’t Spit Out Change
Nowadays, some ticket redemption machines at casinos dispense bills and coin vouchers. They never spit out your change. You have to queue at the cashier’s cage to get the coins on the voucher. And, since most users are in a hurry to grab their winnings, they avoid the queues and forget about the change. Do you really care about $0.20? With thousands of people using these machines daily, this rip-off could run into millions of dollars.
Tipping the Showgirls
Showgirls are everywhere in Las Vegas. The gorgeous ladies in elaborate costumes perform on the street shows and in theatres across the city. And, if you take a photo with them, with or without your smartphone, they will expect a tip. Moreover, these entertainers can get aggressive if you try to walk away without paying. The best way to deal with the showgirls in Vegas is by negotiating with them before taking the snap. They want $20+, but you might be able to negotiate.
CNF Fees
Concession and Franchise Fees, or simply CNF fees, are bogus fees you might see on bar and restaurant menus in Las Vegas. Most never mention this charge when you are making a reservation. Instead, they sneak it on your bill to pay 4% to 5% more. You have no legal obligation to pay the CNF fees. Politely ask the server to remove it before you settle your bill.
