Top 5 Scams to Avoid in New York City (And How to Spot Them Instantly) 🗽⚠️
Deel
New York City has a reputation. Depending on who you ask, it’s either the greatest city on earth… or a chaotic jungle where tourists constantly get scammed. The truth? NYC is one of the safest major cities in the world for travelers — but like any global city, it has a few classic scams that specifically target visitors.
The good news: once you know what to look for, these scams are incredibly easy to avoid.
I’ve visited New York multiple times, walked its streets at all hours, taken subways across boroughs, and helped first-timers navigate the city without stress. This guide breaks down the top 5 NYC scams tourists actually encounter, where they happen, and exactly how to avoid them — so you can enjoy the city with confidence instead of paranoia.
Why Tourists Get Targeted in NYC (And Locals Don’t) 👀
Scammers don’t target everyone — they target people who:
- stop suddenly on busy sidewalks
- look lost on their phone
- engage too politely
- hesitate when pressured
New Yorkers move fast and don’t explain themselves. Once you adopt that energy (even a little), you become invisible to scammers.
Scam #1: Fake Street Performers & Photo Scams 📸
Where it happens:
Times Square, Central Park, near major landmarks
How it works:
Costumed characters, dancers, or “performers” offer a photo or quick interaction. Afterward, they demand payment — often $20–$40 per person — and can become pushy if you refuse.
Why tourists fall for it:
It feels awkward to say no after the photo. That’s the trap.
How to avoid it:
- Ask the price before engaging
- If no price is stated, assume it’s not free
- Keep walking — eye contact = invitation
- Tipping is optional, not mandatory
Local mindset:
If you didn’t agree on a price, you don’t owe anything.
Scam #2: “Free” CD or Bracelet Scam 💿🎗️
Where it happens:
Midtown sidewalks, subway entrances, tourist corridors
How it works:
Someone hands you a CD, bracelet, or card saying it’s “free.” Once you take it, they demand money and pressure you into paying.
Why it works:
People instinctively grab things handed to them.
How to avoid it:
- Never take items from strangers
- Say “No thanks” and keep walking
- Don’t slow down or explain
Rule of NYC:
Nothing handed to you on the street is free.
Scam #3: Fake Charity Collectors ❤️🚨
Where it happens:
Near landmarks, subway stations, busy squares
How it works:
Someone with a clipboard claims to represent a charity and pressures you to donate cash or sign something. Many are not registered charities.
Why it feels convincing:
They often wear badges, use emotional stories, and create urgency.
How to avoid it:
- Donate online, not on the street
- NYC does not allow aggressive charity solicitation
- Legit charities don’t pressure passersby
Pro tip:
If you feel rushed, it’s probably a scam.
Scam #4: Unofficial Tour Guides & Ticket Sellers 🎟️
Where it happens:
Broadway area, near attractions
How it works:
Someone offers “exclusive” tours, skip-the-line tickets, or last-minute Broadway deals. Tickets may be fake, overpriced, or misleading.
How to avoid it:
- Book tours and shows online in advance
- Use official platforms or hotel concierges
- No legitimate Broadway seller approaches you randomly
Reality check:
If it sounds too good to be true on a sidewalk — it is.
Scam #5: Taxi Overcharging & Fake Taxis 🚖
Where it happens:
Airports, late-night pickups, tourist-heavy zones
How it works:
Drivers offer rides without meters, claim fake flat rates, or demand cash only.
How to avoid it:
- Use official yellow cabs, Uber, or Lyft
- JFK ➝ Manhattan has a fixed official rate
- If there’s no meter, don’t get in
Airport pro tip:
Follow official taxi signs — never accept rides inside the terminal.
Common Tourist Mistakes That Invite Scammers ❌
- Stopping in the middle of sidewalks
- Studying your phone for directions
- Over-explaining when saying no
- Trying to be “extra polite”
In NYC, confidence beats confrontation.
Is NYC Full of Scams? The Honest Answer 🧠
No.
Scams exist in every major world city — Paris, Rome, Barcelona, London, Bangkok. NYC just feels intense because it’s loud, fast, and crowded.
Most travelers:
- never experience a scam
- feel safer than expected
- get help from locals when needed
Awareness is all you need — not fear.
Quick NYC Scam-Safety Checklist ✅
- Keep moving
- Don’t take free items
- Ask prices upfront
- Book attractions ahead
- Trust your instincts
If something feels off, walk away. That’s normal in NYC.
Explore New York Like a Local (Not a Target) 🗽
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, avoiding scams is only part of the equation. Knowing where to go, how to move, and what to skip entirely makes all the difference.
That’s exactly why we created the New York CityBook — a practical, no-fluff guide built for first-time and returning visitors who want to experience NYC confidently.
What’s included:
✅ Safe neighborhoods explained clearly
✅ Transport & routing tips
✅ Local-approved attractions
✅ Food spots locals actually go to
✅ Tourist traps to avoid
✅ Instant PDF — use it offline
👉 Explore the New York CityBook
Or browse our full collection of USA CityBooks & RoadBooks to plan smarter trips across America.