My FREE Guide to Easing Your Anxiety About Visiting the Big Apple. How to Avoid Common
Scams and Hustles in NYC 🗽

1. Port Authority/Penn Station Fare Hustle

While near one of Manhattan’s busiest transit hubs, a stranger might approach you saying they need just $4.75 to get home to Buffalo. As a kind person, you hand them the money and wish them well. Fifteen minutes later, you see the same person asking others for $4.75. He doesn’t live in Buffalo.

2. Fake Monks

In Times Square, Union Square, or Central Park, fake monks may approach you and try to slip a bracelet on your wrist before asking for a donation to a non-existent temple. These are not real monks, and there is no temple. They keep all the money. Avoid them.

3. CD Guys

In Times Square, groups of rappers hand out CDs to unsuspecting tourists, claiming they’re free but then asking for a donation. The CDs might be blank. Avoid eye contact and politely decline their offer. If you take their CD, they will expect payment.

4. The Dropped Food/Glasses/Medicine Scam

Someone will “accidentally” bump into you and drop an item like alcohol, glasses, medicine, or stale food. They’ll then demand you pay for it. Walk away confidently and don’t engage. If they follow you, say you know it’s a scam and you’re calling the police. They’ll quickly leave.

5. Hot Dog Vendor “Upcharge”

In tourist areas, some hot dog vendors don’t list prices and may overcharge you. Always ask the price first. Vendors may charge $3 for water if you don’t ask, and $2 if you do. Always confirm the cost to avoid being overcharged.

6. Staten Island Ferry Scam

The Staten Island Ferry is a free activity offering great views of the Statue of Liberty. Never pay anyone selling tickets for this boat ride. Scammers have been arrested for trying this.

7. Fake Uber at the Airport Scam

At JFK Airport, someone holding a sign that says UBER might offer you a ride. Thinking they’re with Uber, you accept, only to be charged over $100 for a $60 trip. Uber and Lyft drivers can’t solicit customers at the airport. Use the app to call your ride.

8. JFK Airtrain Hustle

When taking the subway back to JFK Airport, someone may ask for your MetroCard, claiming you won’t need it anymore. Don’t give it away as you’ll need to pay $8.00 for the AirTrain. Keep your MetroCard until you leave NYC. Unlimited cards don’t work for the AirTrain and can be given away.

9. Rip-Off Stand Up Comedy Tickets

In Times Square, comedy show vendors may imply that big names will be performing to sell you tickets. They often don’t mention the expensive drink minimums. Research and book comedy shows in advance, such as the Comedy Cellar in the Village, instead of buying from street vendors.

10. Characters in Times Square

Costumed characters will invite you for a photo and then charge you $20 per character. If you must take a picture with Elmo or Mickey Mouse, negotiate a price before taking the photo to avoid surprises.

Now that you know what to avoid, find out where to go in the Times Square area with our Popular Midtown Guide!