Certain cab drivers in Las Vegas work just for this scam. They pick up groups of clients from the airport, have a nice conversation while driving (“First time in Vegas?”), and pretend they are in a hurry as soon as they drop the customers off.
Mesmerized by the mirage of Las Vegas, first time travelers are dreamy when they are getting out of the cab. Meanwhile, while hurrying to “get another client”, the driver jumps out first, take out all the bags except one from the trunk, closes it, and off he goes. By the time tourists realize one of the bags is missing, the taxi is a few streets away.
How to avoid: is it that hard? Check your bags before he takes off; don’t look up forever to the bright lights of the Strip.