Published on: November 10, 2025, 07:21h.
Updated on: November 9, 2025, 01:21h.
The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas (WTFLV) sign stands out as one of the most photographed spots globally and has unfortunately become a hub for persistent scams. There are no sanctioned photographers for the Las Vegas sign.
The individuals posing as official photographers are as legitimate as Rolex sellers operating out of car trunks.
Photographic History of the Sign
For years, taking a photograph at the WTFLV sign meant risking safety and unlawfully navigating Las Vegas Boulevard with no crosswalks or signals in sight.
In October 2008, Clark County decided to embrace the trend instead of resisting it. They built a designated parking area—originally 12 spaces, later expanded to 33—complete with a walkway and lush landscaping, ideal for Instagram shots.
While this improved safety, it introduced a new problem.
Since then, scammers have frequently occupied positions at the front of the line, confidently instructing tourists where to pose for their “official” photos.
To boost their façade of authenticity, many don laminated “Las Vegas” or “Clark County” ID badges sourced for $20 from Amazon. Some brandish professional cameras with lighting setups, although most simply use smartphones—either yours or theirs—to take pictures.
“Two photographers were present, a young woman using a cell phone and another with a professional camera,” reported Claudia Restrepo in the Las Vegas Travel Tips Facebook group this summer. “They transferred photos to my cell phone with great quality. There were four of us, and she took nine shots. I handed her $20, and she directed our poses.”
The scam is effective due to its polished appearance. Tourists see individuals with badges and feel compelled to comply, particularly after observing others do so ahead of them.
Ironically, the original designer of the WTFLV sign, Betty Willis, declined to copyright her work, wishing for it to belong to everyone and earn nothing from it.
And it truly remains a public treasure.
How to Handle the Situation
Avoid the scammers. Don’t let them handle your phone, and especially refrain from tipping them if you decline their offer.
Simply disregard them.
A equally stunning photo—without the $20 fee—can be taken by the individual standing behind you in line. When you retrieve your phone, ask them to swap turns in taking photos.
Will the so-called “official” photographers be upset? Absolutely. They may even confront you for “not following the rules.”
Just smile and wave as you head back to your vehicle.
They won’t chase or confront you. They won’t create a scene either; numerous others in line are observing, most with their phones poised to document any occurrences.
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