Introduction
Avoiding common NYC scams against tourists in 2026 is all about knowing the difference between genuine New York hospitality and a professional ‘hustle.’ While the city is incredibly safe for travelers, its sheer volume of visitors makes it a playground for savvy fraudsters who update their tactics every season.
From the classic costumed characters in Times Square demanding $20 for a photo to the surge in ‘broken’ taxi meters and fake OMNY transit ‘helpers’ at the subway turnstiles, the traps are evolving. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, being able to spot a scam before it starts is the key to protecting your budget and your peace of mind. In this guide, I’m breaking down the 8 most common scams you need to watch out for this year so you can navigate the five boroughs like a pro.
New York City In-Person Scams
Fake Monks
One of hte most common NYC tourist scams in 2026 is that 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
While Times Square is famous for its hustlers, you’ll find one of the most persistent NYC tourist scams in 2026 down at The Battery: the Statue of Liberty ticket scam. Even though it’s miles from Midtown, aggressive street vendors here regularly trick visitors into buying overpriced or ‘fake’ ferry tickets.
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 because pickpockets thrive in dense crowds, theft remains one of the most frequent NYC tourist scams in 2026. 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.
The 2026 “Quishing” (QR Phishing) Trap
The most modern addition to the list of NYC tourist scams in 2026 is “Quishing,” a clever play on QR codes and phishing. As New York has shifted almost entirely to digital payments, scammers have begun placing fraudulent QR stickers directly over legitimate ones on parking meters (especially ParkNYC meters), restaurant menus, and even Citi Bike docks. When you scan these stickers to pay for your parking or view a menu, you aren’t taken to an official city site; instead, you’re redirected to a sophisticated “look-alike” page designed to harvest your credit card details or install malware on your device. Read more about quishing here.
In early 2026, the NYC Department of Transportation issued a citywide alert after discovering hundreds of these stickers in high-traffic areas like the West Village and Midtown. The Rule for 2026: Always run your finger over a QR code before scanning it. If you feel the edge of a sticker or see it’s slightly misaligned, don’t scan it—pay via the official app or use the physical meter’s keypad instead. Feel free to watch this video that shows how quishing works in New York City.
Red Flag Checklist: Is that QR Code a Scam?
Before you scan or enter your payment details, check for these warning signs:
- The “Sticker Test”: Does the QR code feel raised? Legitimate NYC parking meters do not use QR codes for payment. If you see a sticker on a meter, it is likely a fraudulent third-party addition.
- The URL Check: Official payments in NYC are handled exclusively through the ParkNYC app or the physical meter itself. If the scan takes you to a website asking for credit card info instead of opening a verified app, close the window immediately.
- The “Fine Print” Trap: Scammers often use urgent language like “Pay Now to Avoid Towing.” Real city meters won’t use aggressive “pop-up” style warnings on a webpage.
- No Physical Record: If you use the physical meter, you get a paper receipt to display in your windshield—a “physical record” that proves you paid the real deal.
- Third-Party Branding: Be wary of any site that doesn’t clearly display the official NYC DOT or ParkNYC logos.
Pro Tip: If you see a suspicious QR code on a parking meter, the DOT actually recommends that you tear it off (if possible) and report it to ParkNYC to protect the next traveler.
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.
The Best Free View: Staten Island Ferry vs Statue City Cruises
If your goal is to see Lady Liberty up close without the $25+ price tag of Statue City Cruises, the Staten Island Ferry is your best friend. This legendary commuter boat is 100% free and runs 24/7, departing from the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan every 15 to 30 minutes. As you sail across the harbor, the ferry passes within 600 yards of the statue, providing an incredible panoramic view of the skyline and the monument itself.
For the best photos, head to the right side (starboard) of the boat when departing Manhattan. Just keep in mind that the ferry does not stop at Liberty Island; it’s a 50-minute round trip where you must disembark at St. George Terminal on Staten Island and immediately re-board for the return leg. It’s the perfect ‘zero-dollar’ hack for seeing one of the world’s most iconic NYC landmarks while enjoying the refreshing harbor breeze.
Remember: Anyone trying to sell you a “ticket” for the Staten Island Ferry is a scammer. There are no tickets—you just walk right onto the boat.
Comparison: Statue City Cruises vs. Staten Island Ferry
| Feature | Statue City Cruises (Official) | Staten Island Ferry (Free Hack) |
| Cost (Adult 2026) | $26.00 | FREE |
| Set Foot on Liberty Island? | YES | NO |
| Ellis Island Included? | YES | NO |
| Total Time | 3 – 5 Hours | 50 – 60 Minutes (Round Trip) |
| Best View | Up close at the base or pedestal | Scenic skyline & harbor view |
| Crowd Level | High (Security lines can be long) | High during rush hour, light mid-day |
| Frequency | Every 20–30 Minutes | Every 15–30 Minutes (Runs 24/7) |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Statue City Cruises if: You want to climb the pedestal/crown, explore the museum, or visit the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. This is a half-day commitment.
- Choose the Staten Island Ferry if: You’re on a tight schedule, want a free boat ride with a great view, and don’t feel the need to walk on the island itself. It’s the best “budget-friendly” option for seeing this iconic NYC landmark.
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.
