New York City is such an exciting place to visit. The lights, the energy, the hustle and bustle — it's truly one of a kind. But it's also, without a doubt, a place full of amazing (and occasionally hilarious) scams and tricks. We saw a fair few ourselves while wandering the streets, so here's what you need to know so you don't get caught out.
The Dodgy Mascot Performers of Times Square
While wandering through Times Square, you'll notice mascot performers who look, well, unclean, cheap, and a bit nasty. Think Minnie Mouse, but wearing beat-up old sneakers and smelling like garbage. These mascots will wave you over and beg for a photo.
After the photo's snapped, the mascot suddenly demands money. We watched more than one tourist go wide-eyed and uncomfortable — they didn't want a photo in the first place, let alone have to pay for it. But by then they feel stuck, like they have to hand over cash just to avoid a scene.
How to Avoid It
- Politely decline before any photo is taken — a firm "no thanks" works
- If a photo is already snapped, you're not obligated to pay — just walk away
- Keep phones and cameras close; the distraction of a photo is a classic pickpocket setup too
Pickpockets in Busy Spots
In crowded places like subway stations and busy tourist spots, pickpockets are everywhere. We saw one guy bump into a tourist, acting all innocent and apologetic. While the tourist was distracted, another person skilfully reached into their bag.
It's honestly crazy how slick they are. Seeing this made us extra cautious with our own stuff for the rest of the trip.
Our Pickpocket-Proofing Tips
- Keep bags zipped and worn across the body, not over one shoulder
- Never put your wallet or phone in a back pocket
- Use a hotel safe for your passport — carry a photocopy instead
- Be extra alert around Times Square, Penn Station, and the subway during rush hour (roughly 7–9am and 4:30–6:30pm)
The "Struggling Artist" CD Scam
Another thing we saw near Central Park was someone pushing CDs on passers-by. The guy claimed he was a struggling artist trying to make it big in the city, and he convinced a few people to hand over some money for a CD.
Here's the catch though — the CD was blank, just a shiny disc with no music on it. Sometimes this scam comes with a partner too, and while you're distracted digging out cash, their friend might be eyeing off your belongings for an easy grab.
Scams to Watch For (Even If We Didn't Personally See Them)
NYC is an ever-evolving city, so while we didn't personally witness these next few, they're famous — and common — enough that they could absolutely still be doing the rounds.
1. The Friendship Bracelet Scam
A person, often sitting on a bench near a tourist spot, will approach you offering to tie a friendship bracelet around your wrist "for free." Once you let them, they'll demand a high price (sometimes USD $20 or more) and won't take no for an answer. Keep your hands to yourself and keep walking.
2. The Petition Scam
Someone asks you to sign a petition for a cause or charity. Once you sign, they suddenly ask for a donation, and sometimes multiple people take turns pressuring you for money. If you genuinely want to donate, do it through a verified charity website back at your hotel, not on the street.
3. The Card or Shell Game
In busy areas like Times Square, you might spot a "game" where someone bets you can guess which card or shell hides an object. It's rigged, plain and simple. Our advice: don't play, don't even stop to watch — it draws you and your wallet into the crowd.
4. Fake Charity Collectors
People with clipboards or collection buckets claim to raise money for well-known charities or disaster relief, but often aren't affiliated with any legitimate organisation at all. Ask for ID or a registration number — a genuine collector will have one, a scammer won't.
5. Overpriced "Taxi" or "Tour" Scams
Unlicensed taxi drivers or unofficial tour guides will offer rides or tours at inflated prices, take longer routes, or drop you off far from your destination. Stick to official yellow cabs (they have a medallion number on the roof light) or use the Uber/Lyft app so the fare is agreed upfront. For airport trips, yellow cabs run a flat rate from JFK to Manhattan of around USD $70 (roughly AUD $105–$110) plus tolls and tip — anything wildly higher is a red flag.
6. The Gold Ring Trick
Someone "finds" a gold ring on the ground and offers to sell it to you cheap. It's either fake, or they'll expect you to pay a lot more once you show interest. Just keep walking — genuine bargains don't get pushed on you in the street.
What We Learned Watching These Scams Play Out
- Trust your gut — if something feels off, walk away, no explanation needed
- Keep valuables zipped up and close to your body at all times
- Don't get roped into photos or purchases from street vendors you don't trust
- Watch your surroundings in crowded places — pickpockets are patient and clever
- Consider travel insurance before you go, just in case something does go missing
- Save the NYPD non-emergency number (311) in your phone before you land, just in case
Final Thoughts
NYC is an incredible city, and once you know what to look for, most of these scams become pretty easy to spot and laugh off. Don't let scammers spoil your trip — stay aware and enjoy the city safely.
If you're planning more big-city travel, our post on avoiding scams when travelling has more general tips that apply well beyond NYC, and if you're heading further afield afterwards, check out our thoughts on cruising with Celebrity Cruises for a totally different pace of travel.
Our tip summary: Skip the Times Square mascot photos, zip your bags and wear them across your body, avoid street "games" and unsolicited bracelets entirely, only take official yellow cabs or rideshares, and trust your gut if something feels off. Have you seen any scams like these on your travels? We'd love to hear your stories — drop them in the comments!
0 comments