1. CD Hustlers in Times Square
- What Happens: Someone approaches you with a “free” music CD, sometimes claiming to be an upcoming artist. Once you take it, they write your name on it and demand money.
- Avoid: Don’t take anything handed to you, especially around Times Square or near Penn Station.
2. “Free” Friendship Bracelets or Roses
- What Happens: Someone puts a bracelet on your wrist or hands you a flower, calling it a gift. Once you accept, they aggressively demand payment.
- Avoid: Keep your hands to yourself and politely decline.
3. Subway Swipe Scams
- What Happens: Someone offers you a cheaper MetroCard swipe in exchange for cash. The card may be empty, expired, or stolen.
- Avoid: Only use official MTA vending machines or the OMNY contactless payment system.
4. Fake Monks
- What Happens: Men in orange robes offer a “blessing” or small token, then demand donations.
- Avoid: These are not real monks. Say “No thanks” and keep walking.
5. Costumed Characters in Times Square
- What Happens: People dressed as Elmo, Spider-Man, or Mickey Mouse pose for a photo and then demand tips—often $10–$20.
- Avoid: Take photos at your own risk and only tip if you want to.
6. “Donation” Petitions
- What Happens: Someone with a clipboard says they’re collecting donations for charity, often pretending to be deaf or mute.
- Avoid: These are usually fake charities. Don’t give cash to people on the street unless it’s a clearly marked legitimate organization.
7. Fake Taxi or Uber Drivers
- What Happens: Someone outside an airport or train station offers a ride claiming to be a taxi or rideshare, then charges an outrageous fare.
- Avoid: Only use official yellow cabs, or request Uber/Lyft via the official app. Never accept unsolicited rides.
8. Battery Park Statue of Liberty Ticket Scams
- What Happens: Unauthorized sellers approach tourists offering ferry or “Statue of Liberty” tickets, often at inflated prices or for fake tours.
- Avoid: Buy only from the official website: https://www.statuecitycruises.com. Do not buy from people near Battery Park.
9. Shell Games (Three Card Monte)
- What Happens: A street hustler shuffles cards or shells and invites people to guess where the object is for money. It’s rigged, and accomplices pretend to win.
- Avoid: It’s always a scam. Just walk away.
10. Fake Broadway Ticket Sellers
- What Happens: People near Times Square sell tickets to shows, often overpriced or fake.
- Avoid: Use official sellers like Ticketmaster, Telecharge, or TKTS booth.
11. ATM Skimmers
- What Happens: Scammers attach skimming devices to ATMs to steal your card info.
- Avoid: Use ATMs inside bank branches, not standalone ones on the street.
12. Street Performers Who Trap You
- What Happens: Some performers create a circle and “trap” tourists inside. They’ll pressure you into staying for a show, then aggressively ask for tips.
- Avoid: Watch from the outside. Don’t enter the circle if you don’t want to tip.
13. Fake Wi-Fi Networks
- What Happens: Scammers set up free public Wi-Fi named “Free WiFi” or “Starbucks Guest” to steal your data.
- Avoid: Use your phone’s hotspot or official networks you can verify.
14. Overpriced Pedicabs
- What Happens: Pedicab drivers lure tourists in for a “quick ride” and then charge $100+ for a few minutes.
- Avoid: Always ask for the price upfront in writing, or better yet, avoid them altogether.
15. Hidden Restaurant Fees in Tourist Zones
- What Happens: Some restaurants in Times Square or Little Italy tack on surprise “service” or “COVID” fees.
- Avoid: Check Yelp or Google reviews, and ask about hidden fees before ordering.
