New York City is a magnificent city to visit for those coming from other states or other countries, but for an unwary visitor, that dream can quickly turn into a financial headache. From fraudulent tickets to misleading offers, New York City is known for its share of scams that target tourists. By being aware of these common cons, you can better protect yourself from financial loss and emotional stress, allowing you to truly enjoy your trip to New York City.
New York City In-Person Scams
Fake Monks
Individuals dressed in Buddhist monk robes may approach you, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Times Square. They will try to give you a small token, like a bracelet or a medallion, and then demand a “donation,” often showing you a logbook with large amounts supposedly given by others. These are not real monks; they are scammers. Politely and firmly decline and continue walking. Real Buddhist monks do not aggressively solicit money.
Unauthorized Retailers of Popular Products
Avoid unauthorized street vendors in New York City who sell “Apple products” like AirPods and iPhones. These sellers prey on a tourist’s desire for a bargain by offering a seemingly incredible deal: a new device for a fraction of the retail price. However, these are almost always cheap, non-functional counterfeits. To spot a fake product, look for packaging of poor quality with blurry graphics or misspellings. Be especially cautious if the seller is pushy, only accepts cash, and refuses to provide a receipt or warranty, as this is a clear sign they know the product is a scam.
Beyond simply losing money, counterfeit electronics can pose a serious safety risk, as they may overheat or even damage the devices to which they are connected. Always purchase from a legitimate, authorized retailer to ensure you get a safe, authentic product with a valid warranty.
In addition to counterfeit electronics, you will also encounter vendors displaying knock-off designer handbags, wallets, and other goods on blankets or makeshift tables as you walk through tourist-heavy areas in New York City. Don’t be tempted by the low prices, as these products are illegal counterfeits, often featuring fake logos on the accessories that look real.
Characters in Costume
In places like Times Square in New York City, which attracts millions of tourists per year, people dressed as popular movie and cartoon characters pose for photos. After the photo is taken, they will aggressively demand a tip, sometimes a significant amount. Remember that you are not obligated to pay for a photo you didn’t explicitly agree on a price for beforehand. I suggest you completely avoid these characters.
“Helpful” Strangers
Someone on the street may approach you, offering unsolicited help with things like getting a MetroCard or directions. This often leads to a scam, such as them swiping a MetroCard for you and charging you an inflated price for a single ride, or leading you to a shady location. It’s best to use official information booths, apps, or ask a uniformed MTA employee for help.
“CD Guys” and “Rappers”
This scam involves someone, often a self-proclaimed rapper or musical artist, approaching you and trying to give you a “free” CD. Once you take it, they will pressure you into paying for it, and can become hostile if you refuse. Do not accept anything that is offered to you for free on the street.
Pedicabs and Bike Taxis
While pedicabs can be a fun way to explore New York City, many drivers are known to overcharge tourists. They will conveniently leave out the fact that they charge you “per minute,” leading to a costly ride. Always agree on a set, final price for the trip before you get in, or just avoid them completely and use the subway instead. Additionally, try your best NOT to use taxis! You will spend more time sitting in the car than going to your destination.
Shell Games and Street Betting
You may see groups of people playing games like “three-card monte” or “three-cup monte” on the streets in New York City, especially around tourist areas like Times Square and the Empire State Building. They are always rigged, with the people playing and winning being part of the scam. You will never win. Do not participate in these games.
Statue of Liberty Ticket Scams
In Battery Park, where the Statue of Liberty ferry departs, scammers will try to sell you “tickets” for a private boat tour. You will see them immediately when you walk into the park. These sellers are wearing red, blue, or purple t-shirts/vests and wait outside the park and/or outside the Bowling Green subway station. They will also say that the city hires them to gain your trust and purchase tickets through them.
They insist that official ferries are sold out (or closed) and that their tours are better or quicker, preying on a tourist’s desire to save time during their New York City trip. They also often block off the pathway where you can walk to Castle Clinton to buy official ferry tickets.
Their scam is that they charge you double (or more) what the official ferry charges, and they take you around the Statue of Liberty but not onto the island. The official ferry is the only one that can take you to the island. You can purchase tickets in advance online or from the official ticket booth at Castle Clinton. I will go into more detail about the official ferry to see the Statue of Liberty below.
The city has put up a large sign at the entrance to Battery Park near the Bowling Green subway station that says “WARNING: SCAM ALERT” to notify tourists about fraudulent Statue of Liberty Scams, but these scammers will often move the sign to where tourists can’t see it and therefore would not realize scammers are around.
Alternative Option: The Staten Island Ferry, which is free and offers great views of the Statue of Liberty, is a great alternative! I talk about this ferry in more detail in my downtown Manhattan itinerary.
Other New York City Scams
ATM Skimmers
Be careful when using an ATM in New York City, especially if you are in a less secure area. Scammers may install devices in the card slot to steal your card information. Try to use ATMs located inside a bank lobby only. Always cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN.
Pickpockets
New York City is a major metropolitan area with a high volume of people, and pickpockets work best in crowded places. Be mindful of your belongings and surroundings on the subway, in Times Square, and at other popular tourist attractions. Carry bags and backpacks on your front side, and keep your wallet and phone in a secure, zipped pocket. If you wear a fanny pack, I advise that you NOT wear it around your waist and instead wear it as a crossbody bag with the bag facing the front (on your chest).
Unofficial Taxis/Rideshares
Upon arriving at one of the New York City area airports, you can easily get to your accommodation using a taxi or rideshare service. For your security and to avoid scams, always use a licensed yellow cab found at an official taxi stand. Alternatively, use a legitimate rideshare app to book your ride. Do not accept rides from anyone who approaches you in the terminal offering a ride, as they are often unlicensed and will overcharge you and/or be unsafe.
Where do I buy tickets to visit Liberty and Ellis Island?
In New York City, the official and only authorized provider of ferry service and tours to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is Statue City Cruises. You should only purchase tickets through them to ensure they are legitimate.
What’s Included with All Tickets
All official tickets, regardless of the level of access you purchase, include the following:
- Round-trip ferry service from either Battery Park or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. The ferry makes stops at both Liberty Island and Ellis Island
- Access to the grounds of both Liberty Island and Ellis Island
- Admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island, which houses the Statue’s original torch
- Admission to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
- A self-guided audio tour for both islands, available in multiple languages
Ticket Options
When you purchase a ticket from Statue City Cruises, you have a few options for the level of access you want. These are often sold out well in advance, so it’s highly recommended to book online.
General Admission: This is the most widely available ticket. It gives you access to the grounds and museums on both islands. It does not include access inside the Statue itself.
Pedestal Reserve: This ticket includes everything in the General Admission ticket, plus access to the Fort Wood section of the Statue’s pedestal. From the pedestal, you can enjoy an observation balcony with spectacular views of the Statue and New York Harbor. Pedestal tickets are limited and must be reserved in advance.
Crown Reserve: This is the most exclusive ticket and is extremely limited. It includes all of the above, plus access to the Statue’s crown. The climb to the crown is a strenuous walk up 162 steps from the pedestal, and there is no elevator. These tickets sell out months in advance and are the hardest to get.
How to Purchase Official Tickets
Online: The official website is the easiest and most reliable way to purchase tickets.
By Phone: You can call Statue City Cruises to reserve tickets. Their phone number is 877-523-9849.
In-Person: Tickets can be purchased at the official ticket booths located in Castle Clinton in Battery Park or at the ferry departure point in Liberty State Park, New Jersey. I strongly recommend that you do not wait until the day of your visit, as tickets, especially for the pedestal and crown, are often sold out.
Conclusions
While New York City is a vibrant, energetic city full of things to do and see, its popularity with visitors also makes it a target for scammers. By being aware of these common scams and staying vigilant of your belongings and your surroundings, you can protect yourself and ensure your New York City trip is filled with unforgettable memories instead of unwanted surprises.