New York City is the ultimate tourist destination — and its scammers are as diverse and creative as the city itself. From Times Square costumed characters to subway card scams, here's how to navigate NYC without getting fleeced.
Times Square Costumed Characters
Costumed characters (Elmo, Spider-Man, the Statue of Liberty) pose for photos and then aggressively demand tips of $10-20+ per person. Some get confrontational if you refuse.
How to handle it: - Photos ARE expected to come with a tip — this is understood - $2-5 per photo is reasonable; more than that is excessive - Agree on the tip amount BEFORE the photo - Don't let multiple characters jump into your photo uninvited - If someone is aggressive, walk away and find an NYPD officer (they're always nearby)
The CD Hustle
A "musician" hands you a CD and asks you to write your name on it. Once you touch it, they claim it's yours and demand $10-20. If you write your name, they claim you've agreed to buy it.
How to avoid it: - Don't accept anything handed to you on the street - Keep your hands in your pockets or at your sides - If someone approaches, firmly say "No, thank you" without stopping - This happens mainly in Times Square and around Central Park
Fake Ticket Sellers
People sell tickets to Broadway shows, comedy clubs, or attractions at "discounted" prices. The tickets are often fake, for the wrong date, or for terrible seats at above-retail prices.
How to buy tickets safely: - Broadway: Use TKTS booth in Times Square (official discounted day-of tickets), or Telecharge/Ticketmaster online - Attractions: Buy CityPASS or New York Pass online, or tickets directly from attraction websites - Comedy shows: Book directly through the club's website - Never buy tickets from someone on the street
Statue of Liberty Ticket Scams
Vendors near Battery Park sell "Statue of Liberty tour" tickets. Many are actually just harbor cruise tickets that never dock at Liberty Island — or they're massively overpriced.
How to visit the Statue of Liberty: - Buy tickets ONLY from Statue City Cruises (official operator) at statuecruises.com - Tickets include the ferry and Liberty Island access - Reserve crown access months in advance (limited daily tickets) - Ignore anyone selling tickets on the street or in Battery Park
The Pedicab Overcharge
Pedicabs (bicycle taxis) in Central Park and Midtown quote one price and charge another — or don't quote a price at all. Bills of $200-500 for a 10-minute ride are regularly reported.
How to avoid it: - NYC law requires pedicabs to display rates (max $5 per minute for up to 3 passengers) - Agree on a TOTAL price before getting in, not a per-minute rate - Better yet, skip pedicabs entirely — walk, take the subway, or use Citi Bike
Subway Scams
The MetroCard helper: Someone offers to help you buy a MetroCard at a machine, then directs you to add far more money than needed — or swaps your card.
The swipe scam: Someone offers to swipe you through the turnstile with their unlimited card, then demands money.
How to avoid it: - Use OMNY (tap your contactless credit/debit card or phone) — no MetroCard needed - If you want a MetroCard, buy it yourself at the machine - Don't accept swipe offers from strangers
Restaurant Scams
Midtown and Times Square restaurants targeting tourists use several tactics: - Automatic 20-25% gratuity added to the bill (sometimes on top of a separate "service charge") - Overpriced prix fixe menus with limited options - Suggesting expensive specials without mentioning the price
How to eat well in NYC: - Avoid restaurants with touts outside or aggressive hosts - Check the bill for automatic gratuity — don't tip twice - Eat in the neighborhoods: West Village, East Village, Chinatown, Hell's Kitchen, Williamsburg - Use Google Maps, Yelp, or The Infatuation for restaurant reviews - Dollar pizza ($1-1.50 per slice) is genuinely good and everywhere
The "Free" Comedy Show
People in Times Square and Greenwich Village hand out "free tickets" to comedy shows. You get in free, but face a 2-drink minimum at $15-25 per drink, plus aggressive upselling.
What to know: - The show is "free" but drinks are mandatory and overpriced - The comedians are often amateurs - If you enjoy comedy, book at established clubs: Comedy Cellar, Gotham, Stand Up NY
Central Park "Tour Guide" Scams
Self-appointed tour guides in Central Park offer to show you around for "whatever you want to pay." After the tour, they demand $50-100 per person.
Better alternatives: - Free self-guided tours using the Central Park app - Official Central Park Conservancy tours (some are free) - Central Park audio guides (various apps)
Safe NYC Tips
- The subway is generally safe but stay alert, especially late at night
- Keep your phone in an inside pocket — phone snatching is common
- Walk with purpose — looking lost makes you a target
- Don't engage with aggressive panhandlers
- Download Google Maps offline and the NYC subway map
- Citi Bike is excellent for getting around Manhattan and Brooklyn
- Uber/Lyft are widely available but expensive during rush hour
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency: 911
- NYPD non-emergency: 311
- Tourist information: NYC & Company at nycgo.com
- Report online: Avoid Travel Scams
New York City is one of the world's greatest cities, and most New Yorkers are actually friendly (just busy). Use common sense, do your research, and you'll have the time of your life.
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