Why Is the "Usher" Scam Allowed at the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign?

Why is the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign photo scam allowed to continue? It’s a well-run scam with the hucksters, often in “official” uniforms and clipboards, ushering people in line for a photo and then demanding some form of a “tip” or “donation.” It’s difficult for tourists to know about this scam at one of our most recognized landmarks.

As the sign says, welcome to fabulous Las Vegas!

Of course, scams like this aren't limited to our hometown. Anywhere crowds gather, hustlers, scammers, and grifters aren't far away.

This particular hustle is pretty well-known. The deception consists of the official-looking uniforms, clipboards, even badges and credentials and the hustlers sometimes claim to work for the sign company, city, or county. But make no mistake, they're not authorized in any way.

They "organize" lines for selfies and photos and often take photos of people who've made it to the front of the line, then roll out the high-pressure tactics for tips or donations, often $10-$20 per photo or group. We've heard reports that the more aggressive ushers hold the phones hostage until they're paid. Meanwhile, the official appearance misleads people into thinking it's legitimate or even required.

Why is it allowed?

Clark County ordinances prohibit unlicensed vending or conducting business (like paid photography services) on sidewalks without permits. There have been crackdowns (the big one was in 2023) by Metro Police and county officials targeting unauthorized vendors and photographers at the sign, along with food vendors. However, enforcement is inconsistent, due to limited resources and the ceaseless volume of visitors to the sign. Similar to other street performers/hustlers on the Strip, it's hard to fully police without a constant presence.

You can and should just take your own photos or have a companion do it. Politely decline if approached ("No thanks, we've got it"), take your own photos, and get on with your Vegas visit. These people have no business demanding anything from anyone.

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Comments

tyg Jun-21-2026

Two signs are better than one

Why not add another sign, clearly stating that there are no official photo/line organizers or any fee or charge for taking photos at the photogenic sign?

VegasVic Jun-21-2026

tyg

That makes too much sense.

David Miller Jun-21-2026

What is the Attraction?

 I have never understood why people want a picture being there at the sign.

O2bnVegas Jun-21-2026

don't get it

I have never understood why people become so greedy.  I suppose humans are opportunistic by nature.  Hopefully nurture overcomes, but obviously not always.  

Never strust a stranger bearing 'free' anything.

Candy

Stewart Ethier Jun-21-2026

The attraction is ..

Nothing says "I'm in Vegas" better than a selfie at the iconic sign, so people want one to post on social media.

rodfan Jun-21-2026

Wow

I guess I’m in the minority in the fact that I had no idea this was even happening.  We have no desire or need to visit the sign, so truly this is a news flash and am disgusted by it.

Randall Ward Jun-21-2026

sign pics

we have taken a large group photo in front of the sign annually for 20 years and never had an issue.  The photographer s are excellent and aren't aggressive, and I've never had one ask for a tip, but of course we do.  I think the complaints are from the same people terrorized by the showgirls

DeltaEagle Jun-21-2026

Second Sign

Why not add another sign, clearly stating that there are no official…..
Answer- the hustlers would take it down.

Mark Francis Jun-21-2026

I'd go with...

...How about you go pound sand?

That Don Guy Jun-21-2026

re: What is the Attraction?

You might as well ask, "what is the attraction" of having a photo taken in front of:
...the Golden Gate Bridge?
...Mount Rushmore?
...the Lincoln Memorial?
...the Grand Canyon?
The answer is pretty much the same; it's an icon of the area in question, so it shows that you have "been there." Something tells me that a photo in front of "the world's largest In & Out" doesn't quite say "Vegas" in the same way.

steve crouse Jun-21-2026

Sign

Sign sign everywhere a sign
Blockin' out the scenery
Breaking my mind.
Do this....don't do that
Can't you read the sign.......

Lucky Jun-22-2026

Signs

And Mr. Crouse has correctly answered the Double Jeopardy question, and summed up the entire QOD.

John Pitcher Jun-24-2026

That Don Guy (TDG)

Perfect answer, TDG!

Question of the Day - 21 June 2026

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