Times Square. Tourists scams to avoid

18 November, 2022

Times Square. Tourist scams to avoid.

Times Square is a major commercial intersection, tourist destination, entertainment hub, and neighborhood in the Midtown Manhattan section of New York City. It is formed by the junction of Broadway, Seventh Avenue, and 42nd Street. Lots of pedestrian traffic and tourists bring out scammers. Here we compiled small list of scams that you will likely run into.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

General Precautions:

Be observant:
❶ Pay attention to people who are being overly friendly or pushy.
❷ Don't accept unsolicited items or gifts: A free CD or bracelet might be the start of a scam.
❸ Don't engage with overly aggressive individuals: If someone is being pushy, politely decline and move on.
❹ Keep your belongings secure: Wear your purse or backpack in front of you or on your shoulder, not in a way that makes it easy for pickpockets to access.
❺ Be wary of "helpful" strangers: If someone offers to help you with transportation or directions, especially if they seem overly eager, be suspicious and use official sources instead.

① Costume Characters:

While not always scams, many poorly costumed characters will ask for money to take a picture with them. Always agree on the price before the picture is taken and have the money ready.

② Fake Monks:

These individuals will approach you, try to put a bracelet on your wrist, and then ask for a donation, claiming it's for a fake temple.

When the weather heats up and New York City tourists start to flock to the High Line, Central Park, and other local hot spots, it is inevitable that these so-called "monks" will show up in force, ready to scam anybody foolish enough to fall for it. The way the scam works is simple: A man with a somewhat Asian appearance, orange robe and modest clothing walks alone through the park The scammer picks a target, usually a tourist or group of tourists The scammer hands you a card with some text about being on a spiritual journey, or that his monastery needs money to help spread peace, or something else uplifting. It boldly asks for donations of $20 or more. The scammer pretends to not know English in order to deflect any questions. I've personally witnessed several tourists fall for this, and have stepped in to stop dozens from being scammed. If you are a local, you should do the same. If you are a tourist, please don't fall for this scam.

③ Street Vendors Selling Metro Cards:

These cards are often fake or have no value on them, so avoid buying them.

④ Low-Rate Parking Lots:

Be cautious of parking lots offering suspiciously low rates, as they may charge you more or be scams.
These scams often involve deceptively low advertised rates or deceptive practices like undisclosed fees or hidden charges.

⑤ Fake Parking Tickets & Text

Be cautious what you scan into your phone. New scam in town where scammers target out of state license plates with fake tickets. Do not scan any QR Codes on a ticket and only pay your ticket through an official website. You can get there from NYC.gov

NYC warns of unpaid parking ticket scam involving fake websites that look legitimate.

There is a new warning out about a scam that looks to trick people into thinking they're paying a parking ticket on a New York City website — but could be giving out information leading to identity theft. The scammers will send a text that says the recipient has an unpaid parking ticket in the city or a toll fee to pay, according to the mayor's office and the Brooklyn district attorney's office.
Clicking on the link given in the text from "NYC Citypay" will bring up a website that looks official, but is not. It will then request identifying information that could be sold on the dark web or used to steal the target's identity. That information includes name, date of birth, driver's license number and credit or debit card number.

⑥ Soliciting for Businesses:

Avoid those who claim to work for a specific company and are trying to solicit you, as they may be trying to steal your phone or take you somewhere else.

⑦ Taxi Scams:

Be wary of taxis that offer lower rates or grab your luggage without you agreeing to the price, as they may be charging you exorbitant fares.

⑧ Fake CD Scam

Those uprising rap stars CD guys can be very intimidating and scare some people so bad they give them money just to get rid of them. The best way to get past them is just not even acknowledging them and to avoid eye contact and just keep walking.