I've worked in NYC for decades. My advice... do not acknowledge the existence of any stranger who approaches you in NYC. Ignore them. They don't need to know what time it is and they don't need a moment of your time. Rude? Maybe, but that's what we do here.
All New Yorkers know to mind our own business, no matter what. That’s where the whole stereotype of New Yorkers being rude comes from, we’re not being rude, we’re being street smart. Engaging with strangers is how you get into problems.
@@aedanokelly5794 dude i am a new yorker and love this city but let's be real, it's a shit hole now. Especially with idiot new yorkers that keep voting in radical communists. Wait, I mean modern day democrats.
It's cuz not all of them are trying to scam u some actually tell u, I charge for pic because there dressed up that's there job. I'll give u a real tip don't be a pussy just say no people that get scammed are just to gullible , and if u ain't ready to fight this ain't the city for u lol, people can be aggressive if they smell weakness walk with ur chest up and talk tough.
Great video Barr! ❤. Also everyone be aware: Street Charcoal caricature artists. We met one while waiting on ferry to liberty island and guy came over asking if myself and my wife would like a caricature drawing done so I asked how much and how long and he told us 10mins and $5 so I agreed and he sat us down and began making a very poor rubbish looking charcoal drawing of us both and finished and then began demanding $45 for the drawing and for a little cardboard frame so it didn't smudge.... I refused saying no you told us $5 and then guy began getting aggressive shouting roaring waving arms about giving us abuse loudly until a police officer actually heard him walked over and told the guy to basically get lost. So that's another one to be aware of.
Allow me to sum up this entire video from someone who has worked in the building in Times Square for 19 years. Do not speak to ANYONE AT ALL in Times Square that asks you any question at all. If they ask you the time…keep walking and yell it to them from 20 feet away. Period. Don’t take ANYTHING from anyone. Not a piece of paper…not a cd…not a bracelet. Nothing. Hold your hand up and say no thanks or nothing at all. They are used to 95% of people ignoring them every day. They won’t get mad. Have fun.
I’ll add one more though. Naked Cowboy is cool as hell. He doesn’t pressure you into donating anything and he’ll talk to you for free. He’s super nice and he’s actually insanely wealthy. He doesn’t need your dollars. Very funny guy.
@@adamluce1901 I’m not talking about the costumed characters. I’m talking about the people handing things out. The people in costumes are assholes and they end up getting kicked out by the cops often.
I’m so glad you updated this! My family of 5 was in NYC last week for 1st trip (watched a ton of your vids prior) We saw the monks, aggressive costume characters & many MANY unmarked food vendors first hand but knowledge is power and we had a great trip w no issues! Even enjoyed the new Museum of Natural History addition! Thanks for all you do! Can’t wait to come back!
i made the mistake of not asking the price before asking for a philly steak paid $12 but it was a reasonable size idk if thats overpriced or about right
From one NYC tourist to possibly another.. if *anyone* approaches you for any reason, 98% of the time you should just walk/ignore them - especially if you’re preoccupied and have your guard down(ex. getting money from ATM). I was on times square and got approached at least half a dozen times a day, but kept on walking. never got scammed once.
I'm a New Yorker and the dropped food scam happened to me in midtown a few years ago. Only it wasn't food, it was his glasses. Guy looked a bit cracked out, dressed sloppy and overall was shady. What happened was he intentionally bumped into me, and I tried to avoid him. I pick his glasses up which are cracked, give it to him and ask him if he's good. For a second, I thought he was drunk or on drugs. He starts to ramble how I broke his glasses to give him money and all that. I go no you bumped into me. Take your shit and move on I know what you're trying to do. I even said do not follow me or you're gonna have a bad day. You just need to keep walking and limit the interaction like it's stated in this vid. Even gullible New Yorkers can fall for this stuff.
The CD guys are aggressive as hell. One tried to shove a CD into my pocket as I was walking by and it fell out onto the floor and he made a scene that I threw his CD on the floor. He fake motioned to someone else to "GET HIM" (me) but it was just a scare tactic, just keep walking.
@@thegoldstandard55 Hahaha, when I encountered this scam last time I started laughing and with pity in my voice I told him "Don't you think it is time to find something new?".
I've never been to New York, and so far my experiences are limited to countless TH-cam videos, video games and movies. And articles on the internet. But despite never having physically been there, I've developed a deep love for the city over the years and I would really like to go there one day. I found your channel just yesterday and since then I've made it my mission to start watching the New York videos. So far I've had a really good time with them and even learned a few new things. Major kudos to you.
This is super useful! Awesome information. I got caught as a Canadian tourist in Seattle a few years ago. Great service in my hotel but whacked over the head with an amenities fee, tourism surcharge, and a massive charge for daily parking which was valet-only (though the hotel was just a four star hotel...Nothing special).
i’ve heard/seen many of these in NYC (and they’re common in other touristy places like Vegas) but there were a few i’ve never heard of…. these scammers are getting creative! thanks for the heads up jon
We visited NYC pre-covid, and I can hardly wait to go back. We heard so much about how NYC is full of scams that we were quite paranoid when we were offered help with our luggage to get up a few stairs in a subway station, but people were genuinely friendly and helpful. The only scam we ran into is the an offer of discount tickets to the Staten Island Ferry. The advice I would give to people is keep your wits about you, but don't assume that every New Yorker is out to rip you off. There are some truly wonderful people there.
To add on to the clip about the performers that flip over volunteers. In Central Park, they’ll line up these volunteers during a cool stunt show. They’ll pass around the tip bag (it’s usually a very big audience) and tell the onlookers that if they collect enough tips and have a good dollar amount then they’ll follow through with the trick. After the tips are collected, they let you know it’s not enough and the audience then does not get their “grand finale”. This happens every time! They take your tips and make the crowd disperse. Another tip from a New Yorker. Greetings from NYC!
Thank you so much for creating more videos like this👏🏼🎉I’m flying to NYC in September from UK. Super excited and nervous at the same time due to all the scams I heard but watching your videos definitely helped me to be more cautious and vigilant in my upcoming trip
Hi John - We just return from New York for 1st time 5-day family trip. We had a great time there and New York is more magical than I imagined. Thanks for all those videos and tips.
Do not give your money to anybody let alone your phone . If someone offers to take your bag they may literally take your bag. Just run off whth your bag !
We saw most of these scams in Times Square and near the Battery but all and all, New York was amazing. We took the subway everywhere and I never felt unsafe. I can’t wait to go back. Oh, and the resort fee thing, yeah, I refused to stay anywhere that tried to play that game. We ended up staying in Queens and it was awesome. So much good food within walking distance and a decently priced hotel.
Thanks for the video!💪 I’m going to New Your for the first time in my life in 2 weeks.😊🇺🇸 I’m super excited and a bit nervous at the same time.😁 Your videos are so helpful!
We are in New York right now. Really like your videos and have a couple suggested topics. 1. Toilets. Where are they near times square. 2. Wine. Where do you get it? Not in grocery stores. Not at CVS or Walgreens. Not at Trader joes.
1. Any sit-down restaurant (you’ll have to be a customer) or department store (at least pretend to shop while you make your way to the restroom). 2. Find a liquor store; Whole Foods also sells beer and wine.
Why don't NYC officials crack down on these scams? If I was scammed, I would never want to return and make sure everyone I know, knows how bad a place is. Does not have to be NYC, it could be any city in any country.
These are all brilliant tips from a great channel and if you're a first time visitor to NYC, you'd be scared and thinking "why bother" with all these noted scams going on, the City should be doing far more to help visitors who are bringing billions of dollars into the city. I'm lucky to have visited the worlds greatest city many times so I've got my wits about me (Sarah Funk also does great vids of scams too) and I've got one to add. When buying my subway ticket, some guy came up to me asking if I could 'change' a folded up $50 bill . . . . I told him to quickly 'do one' 😅😅
Happens in all big cities, hard to control places with huge populations. Paris, Barcelona, etc. I was swarmed by scammers the second I got off the bus/plane. No one cared, not even police.
because theyre petty. law enforcement anywhere isnt going to go after these kinds of scams. if u live in a racist area where there r corrupt cops and u r white and the other person is black, theyll murder on ur behalf but thats about it.
I’ve been to NYC twice but I experienced a lot of this. It really is super common. I remember hearing about the mascots territorial attitude and worried I may get in a fight but no one bothered me. The guy with the CD followed me, autographed it, I just kept trying to take it as he was saying it was free but kept following me. Thinking back, why would I take that shit haha, I actually thought he may be a decent rapper. One bum hustled me very well. He saw I was having issues with the subway system, explained a whole bunch to me, showed me what to do then wanted money. I literally thought he was just some nice guy. I got initiated into the NY way pretty quick by the end of my trip I was bumping shoulders with ppl in crowds and ignoring all the hustlers.
How old are u? My son with his friends all in their 20 went everywhere across USA and were hustled. My husband and i - he is in his 60 and i m in my 50 went everywhere - nobody ever approached us. Well, once in Vegas a black guy called my husband a senator and proposed some vip tickets somewhere, but we just kept walking. I saw hustlers mostly approaching young people. Some of them were engaging. Well, lesson learnt
Great tips. Thank you. One thing I want to add to the Pedicab scam. The price is per minute and PER PERSON! What at rip off. And with the City Traffic is not worth at all
when i went to new york i ran into the last scam. i was so socially awkward and had no idea what was happening that they were yelling at me for wasting their time, despite them coming up to me while I was in a queue. had a random shop try the band thing that the monk did and they ended up taking all my money I had on me, 20cents (budgeted myself to only carry so much a day and was end of the day). oh and not a scam but woke up to the hotel having all its carpet taken.
I would never let a stranger handle my bag because I am too scared they would run off with it. I never heard of the baggage scam before. I would also be too scared to take an unlisted Uber/Lyft as I would be scared they would kidnap or rob me. Speaking of scams I saw signs around Times Square about pickpocketing. I was pickpocketed at the NYBG, so keep an eye on your things.
The baggage scam happened to me about 10 years ago in Shanghai. Took a cab to the Shanghai train station, and the second the cab driver opened the trunk so I could get my bag, some guy standing on the curb grabbed it and told me to follow him. He did carry it a fairly long way (it wasn't a rolling suitcase,) but at the end he tried to charge me something like $80. I think I gave him about $15. He was pretty angry and started arguing with me, but when it was clear he wasn't going to get more, he turned around and went off in a huff.
I’ve been to Mexico several times on cruises so I’ve seen very similar hustling techniques. As far as the “help pay for my ticket” thing at stations, I’ve always thought if you think they are being genuine you walk with them to the ticket booth before giving them anything and watch them purchase the ticket so that way if anything they are losing money if they are trying to scam you (or just do as the video says and don’t engage)
O my god, why would anyone ask for help to buy a ticket. What is there to help with - u say where u re going which is the same in all languages and then show on fingers how many u need
9:25 I’ve lived in Battery Park City for pretty much my entire life, and these guys, the red vests and the blue vests, show up every summer like clock work. Can’t count the number of times I’ve been approached by em.
I had a similar situation with the guys in costumes. I saw Captain America and wanted a picture, he obliged and I got a really good picture. A few moments later I took a picture with Green Arrow and he asked for a tip and said that’s how they make a living. I gave him 5 bucks and he was happy. I returned to Captain America and asked him why he didn’t bring up the tip, he said “ most older people who ask to take pictures are just trying to humiliate me or make fun of me. I could tell you’re just a Captain America fan and you were so nice I felt bad asking” I ended up giving him 20 dollars because he was so damn cool. He even warned me about them trying to trick you into a photo so they can beg for a tip.
I used hate walking through TS when running service calls. So much of a head ache. When walking through times square I’d put in earbuds but not have music playing. So I could still hear what’s going on around me but be able to ignore people
It’s funny - I just found an old album of photos from my first trip to NYC exactly thirty years ago. I went to see the original casts of Phantom and Chess when both were new. The city has changed a lot in 35 years! I don’t think we encountered any scammers at all back them. Plenty of hookers and people selling obvious counterfeits on the street, but none of the stuff you show here. I guess maybe we encountered people selling subway tokens outside the stations…I can’t remember if that was NYC, Boston, London, or Paris. We knew better than to buy subway tokens from random strangers, at least. I guess the best advice is the advice you give here several times - don’t make eye contact, don’t engage, just walk away.
Will never pay resort fee, period. I went to the LVH Hotel in Las Vegas, as I was checking out in 2012, guy got in a huge argument about the resort fee, which he had no knowledge of. I had made my confirmed reservation before the fee kicked in. If that is the end of my travels so be it.
Resort fees don't cover the gym, pool, or other amenities. Resort fees are the exact same thing as convenience fees or service charges. They are mandatory fees that don't do anything.
I’m going to New York next month. I’m so glad I ran across your helpful videos. I cannot believe the ATM scam that is horrible! I have heard not to engage with anyone who tries to talk to you in Times Square. Thank you for your helpful tips
Another scam you can fall for, someone on a busy street corner will try approaching you then making small talk with you. If you talk with them, they will ask for you to donate to a random fake cause. If you don’t, they get super pushy and agressive.
I guess things have mellowed with more police presence. Many years ago I went to New York with a girl I was dating. I would say I was 21 and she was 19-20. Outside this arcade was this guy with a sign selling fake id's. We started talking about them and I said sure why not. He said well we can't do it here in public and needed to go behind the building. My dumb, trusting, butt was about to go with him when the owner of the store started screaming at me "no don't go with him." The guy told him to mind his own business but the store owner still persisted to tell me not to go back there. I told the guy forget about it. When I went up to the store owner he told me that if I went back there him and his buddies would have robbed me. I'm not ashamed to admit I was rattled by that for years what could have happened. That store owner could have saved my life.
I’m sorry I wouldn’t be going back anywhere with anyone for any reason. Period. That’s just mind blowing. Common sense and a little street smarts go a long way. Glad you didn’t end up doing it but come on 😂
2:30 This tip is very important. I am not entirely sure why 3rd party websites dont display the exluded fees on a larger print. Again not every hotel in NY does this but some hotes have some hidden fees like cleaning fees that can go around $100. Be careful while booking.
When I was in NY last year a black person came to me and wanted to sell me his CD: "Do you like Hip Hop?" "I am sorry I have no time." and then he asked, while I was rushing by "Do you support black people?" and I said to decline his expected offer "No". I thought he is asking something to make me stop and did not expect this question. Really uncomfortable. The rip offs happening so often and sometimes I wanted to help those people "in need"/being ripped of but I can't rescue the world and this is probably going to happen like forever.
Yeah I’m amazed with how aggressive the costume characters are; when I went to New York last year we were stood on time square watching how they would just crowd/surround people after having a photo taken and even the ones who weren’t in the photo!
Yeah I’m amazed with how aggressive the costume characters are; when I went to New York last year we were stood on time square watching how they would just crowd/surround people after having a photo taken and even the ones who weren’t in the photo!
I always thought that CD scam in Mr. Robot wasn't realistic. Like who would take a CD from some random guy on the street and put it in their PC? Seems like it's real :D
That was great advise - reminds everyone to be prepared mentally to brush off & be well guarded from unscrupulous persons. Best defense is to be prepared .
I’ve lived in Queens my entire life and went to Penn Station for the 100th time to take an AmTrak train. Some woman came up to me in Penn (this was before Moynihan) and said where am I going? Can she show me the way to the AmTrak waiting room? I said no, thanks, I know where I’m going. She must have thought I was a tourist, I had luggage. Looking at her, God only knows what she had in mind if I accepted! Beware 24/7!
Thanks for the video! I'm a very friendly person and love to say hello to people. However, after watching this video (we'll be in New York City in about 10 days) I know that I need to be less friendly! Can't wait to visit, especially knowing some of NYCs scams possibilities.
I figured the bus one was a scam. Was in White Plains, but the guy looked like he could beat me up if I didn't.. so I knew to only pay for a fare and just handed him $3.
Just last summer I was 15 walking down to time square with my grandma and aunt, when suddenly a bunch of guys surrounded me offering me a CD mixtape. I was really scared and confused, but luckily both my aunt and grandma are from NY and took care of them quickly. Left safe and sound. (They wanted 20 bucks for a CD)
Thanks for your video, I watched it before going to NYC and found it helpful. I stayed in TS and had no problem with the "fake" monks approaching me and only saw a few of them. The "CD guys" are transitioning over to QR codes are got rude when I ignored them. Lastly, I was watching the "street performers" and wanted me to one of their volunteers and I turned them down. Needless to say, they didn't like it when I turn them down.
Thanks. We stayed by Times Square for our first trip this week and everyone of these scammers approached us… monks, characters, CDs, etc. my family was prepared
The candy selling scam is one of the oldest scams in NYC, what you’re saying is a modern version of the scam. Also, if you’re trying to get money out from an ATM, head to a bank branch or Duane Reade/CVS since its more secure (aka indoors with the banks requiring a card to enter the ATM’s at times).
We were in Vegas, my husband saw a cookie stand, wanted to get one, i told him ask how much does it cost first. It was 12 dollars. One cookie. He said no thank u. I said i knew that - this is Vegas baby
I’m researching because my 13 year old daughter has wanted to go for years even though I don’t even know where she got the ideas. She wants to see a Broadway show among other things and I thought I was researching to plan our trip for this spring, now I’m completely second guessing it. Single woman with a 13 year old girl and a 1 year old. Maybe I better not.
@@JoST41 You should go ahead and plan the trip! Just try to avoid the scams. Don't buy any tickets off of people. It should be an overall fun trip if you plan smart.
Why is there a sign saying”If you’re handed a compact disc, it’s free. Tipping is optional”? Everyone knows the discs are blank, music apps are in, and people can upload their music on social media.
Thx for your videos ! I wish knew your Channel before. I Come from France and I felt stupid when i got scammed by Fake hip hop performers selling their cd's 😢
Lmao i was on the staten island ferry really late one night, there was like hardly anyone on it. Some like 7 year old came up and asked for a donation to his basket ball team and i said i didnt have money. He said fuck you dumbass and left 😂
Love New York but you need to leave all nicessities and pleasantries (not including wait or service staff) at home. Jon is 100% correct, do not stop or engage with any stranger on street, everyone trying to hustle.
When I first got to NYC in 92 skinny kid and mom in JFK with big bags and no English. There comes helpful guy with cart and then later annoyed uncle saying or look only few mins in country and “getting “ help. In hindsight it was a good thing and my uncle…, Just reminded me of fun memory 😃
Just a reminder that these scams aren’t just a NYC phenomenon, they literally happen everywhere. I’ve had the monks approach me in NYC, had costumed people try to get me to take a photo in LA, ran into the CD scam in Seattle, and actually fell for an airport shuttle scam in Atlanta.
Another good tip to let people know is the tourist/restaurant fee. Be expected to pay an additional fee when dining out. However you can ask your server to remove it from your check.
Another good tip to let people know is the tourist/restaurant fee. Be expected to pay an additional fee when dining out. However you can ask your server to remove it from your check
Several years ago, my nephew purchased a camera from a street vendor in Chinatown area. They sold him a camera box with some stone inside it. What happened the street vendor ran off and handed him the supposed camera. When he opened the box, he found out he had been scammed. 😅 I always check any merchandise that I buy, even from a store, to ensure the quality and whether I get the the right things.
Here is a thing I'm learning about people in Time Square that may shock some people. I now believe people in TIME SQUARE ACTUALLY WANT TO BE RIPPED OFF. BELIVE IT OR NOT!
I was a times square performer a few years ago. These guys killed it for me and so many others just trying to get our names out there. And now that they have the little green boxes you need to stand in in order to collect tips, they take them all up down to the last square inch.
หลายเดือนก่อน
6:30 in my experience, the booth isn't cheaper compared to the cheapest seats, but you will get a better seat, possibly at only half the price. Consider this when waiting at the booth.
✔ Scroll back up and smash that like button if you learned something new!
🛒 SHOP our NEW NYC Guides For Your Next Trip: www.thatch.co/@herebebarr
Nice to see a place that's founded by the Dutch.
A wise Theater manager once said "People suck"
I've worked in NYC for decades. My advice... do not acknowledge the existence of any stranger who approaches you in NYC. Ignore them. They don't need to know what time it is and they don't need a moment of your time. Rude? Maybe, but that's what we do here.
true new york style
Same on IRELAND
That's dangerous too
@@kinostrong6724 - Visit Brussels and Manneke Pis.
Enjoy.
Cheers.
That is so crazy I could never go to that state. I like it out in the peaceful where people are friendly
All New Yorkers know to mind our own business, no matter what. That’s where the whole stereotype of New Yorkers being rude comes from, we’re not being rude, we’re being street smart. Engaging with strangers is how you get into problems.
sounds like a horrible place to live
@@cebedojames nope, it’s the greatest place on earth and I wouldn’t rather be from anywhere else.
@@cebedojamesdemocrats love it there
@@cebedojames genuinely, they tell you it's the greatest place on earth but are frightened to talk to each other or make eye contact.
@@aedanokelly5794 dude i am a new yorker and love this city but let's be real, it's a shit hole now. Especially with idiot new yorkers that keep voting in radical communists. Wait, I mean modern day democrats.
It’s high time the NYPD started cracking down on these pesky scam artists! Tourists do not expect to be harassed by strangers for money.
The NYPD isn't even cracking down on insane midday robbers going on in the city let alone petty crimes
Just keep walking, what s the problem, they do not hold a gun to your head
You are very wrong. Be expected to leave all your money.
@@bambinaforever1402 not this time but what if they do next time?
It's cuz not all of them are trying to scam u some actually tell u, I charge for pic because there dressed up that's there job. I'll give u a real tip don't be a pussy just say no people that get scammed are just to gullible , and if u ain't ready to fight this ain't the city for u lol, people can be aggressive if they smell weakness walk with ur chest up and talk tough.
Great video Barr! ❤.
Also everyone be aware:
Street Charcoal caricature artists.
We met one while waiting on ferry to liberty island and guy came over asking if myself and my wife would like a caricature drawing done so I asked how much and how long and he told us 10mins and $5 so I agreed and he sat us down and began making a very poor rubbish looking charcoal drawing of us both and finished and then began demanding $45 for the drawing and for a little cardboard frame so it didn't smudge.... I refused saying no you told us $5 and then guy began getting aggressive shouting roaring waving arms about giving us abuse loudly until a police officer actually heard him walked over and told the guy to basically get lost.
So that's another one to be aware of.
Allow me to sum up this entire video from someone who has worked in the building in Times Square for 19 years.
Do not speak to ANYONE AT ALL in Times Square that asks you any question at all. If they ask you the time…keep walking and yell it to them from 20 feet away. Period. Don’t take ANYTHING from anyone. Not a piece of paper…not a cd…not a bracelet. Nothing. Hold your hand up and say no thanks or nothing at all. They are used to 95% of people ignoring them every day. They won’t get mad. Have fun.
I’ll add one more though. Naked Cowboy is cool as hell. He doesn’t pressure you into donating anything and he’ll talk to you for free. He’s super nice and he’s actually insanely wealthy. He doesn’t need your dollars. Very funny guy.
@@Deadseelife He's symbolic of NYC having long ago lost all sense of public decency. Screw that cowboy and the horse he never rode.
@@Deadseelife naked cowboy? Wow, u got me hooked. Now i need to go to ny to see that
That's why they are getting Angry
@@adamluce1901 I’m not talking about the costumed characters. I’m talking about the people handing things out. The people in costumes are assholes and they end up getting kicked out by the cops often.
I'm not a tourist, I live in NYC and this if VERY informative. Anyone visiting NYC needs to watch this. Great job, man.
If you weren’t born here you’re a tourist to us
I’m so glad you updated this!
My family of 5 was in NYC last week for 1st trip (watched a ton of your vids prior) We saw the monks, aggressive costume characters & many MANY unmarked food vendors first hand but knowledge is power and we had a great trip w no issues! Even enjoyed the new Museum of Natural History addition! Thanks for all you do!
Can’t wait to come back!
who eats at these filthy hot dog stands?
@@michaelz.7140 fat American white males duhhh
@@michaelz.7140 They're good bro what're you talking about🤨
Great content brother! I can confirm #10. Check for pricing first! I saw a woman pay $20 for a hot dog last week.
Ugh
i made the mistake of not asking the price before asking for a philly steak paid $12 but it was a reasonable size idk if thats overpriced or about right
Haha, half of this video sounds like "avoid Times Square and possibly all of Midtown if you can help it" which sounds like a plan to me! haha
Well… Hahha
From one NYC tourist to possibly another.. if *anyone* approaches you for any reason, 98% of the time you should just walk/ignore them - especially if you’re preoccupied and have your guard down(ex. getting money from ATM). I was on times square and got approached at least half a dozen times a day, but kept on walking. never got scammed once.
I'm a New Yorker and the dropped food scam happened to me in midtown a few years ago. Only it wasn't food, it was his glasses. Guy looked a bit cracked out, dressed sloppy and overall was shady. What happened was he intentionally bumped into me, and I tried to avoid him. I pick his glasses up which are cracked, give it to him and ask him if he's good. For a second, I thought he was drunk or on drugs. He starts to ramble how I broke his glasses to give him money and all that. I go no you bumped into me. Take your shit and move on I know what you're trying to do. I even said do not follow me or you're gonna have a bad day. You just need to keep walking and limit the interaction like it's stated in this vid. Even gullible New Yorkers can fall for this stuff.
I'm visiting NYC in August & thanks for the heads up. I'll be ready.
Bro you could’ve used quotations
The CD guys are aggressive as hell. One tried to shove a CD into my pocket as I was walking by and it fell out onto the floor and he made a scene that I threw his CD on the floor. He fake motioned to someone else to "GET HIM" (me) but it was just a scare tactic, just keep walking.
CDs have gone the way of casette tapes, so this scam should be going away.
@@thegoldstandard55 Hahaha, when I encountered this scam last time I started laughing and with pity in my voice I told him "Don't you think it is time to find something new?".
dude would have got lit tf up in dallas/houston if he tried that shi
You like Hip Hop man? YO, this punk just streamed one of our hip hop songs from his phone GET HIM!
Selling CDs? It’s 2024 not 1994
I've never been to New York, and so far my experiences are limited to countless TH-cam videos, video games and movies. And articles on the internet. But despite never having physically been there, I've developed a deep love for the city over the years and I would really like to go there one day. I found your channel just yesterday and since then I've made it my mission to start watching the New York videos. So far I've had a really good time with them and even learned a few new things. Major kudos to you.
Basically if anyone talks to you it’s a scam. No one there is friendly unless they are planning on taking everything from you
This is super useful! Awesome information. I got caught as a Canadian tourist in Seattle a few years ago. Great service in my hotel but whacked over the head with an amenities fee, tourism surcharge, and a massive charge for daily parking which was valet-only (though the hotel was just a four star hotel...Nothing special).
i’ve heard/seen many of these in NYC (and they’re common in other touristy places like Vegas) but there were a few i’ve never heard of…. these scammers are getting creative! thanks for the heads up jon
We visited NYC pre-covid, and I can hardly wait to go back. We heard so much about how NYC is full of scams that we were quite paranoid when we were offered help with our luggage to get up a few stairs in a subway station, but people were genuinely friendly and helpful. The only scam we ran into is the an offer of discount tickets to the Staten Island Ferry.
The advice I would give to people is keep your wits about you, but don't assume that every New Yorker is out to rip you off. There are some truly wonderful people there.
Dont it's not the same , crime is up and its flithy. Spend your money on another city.
@@askbob yeah go to Boston instead. NYC is a dump.
Do NOT let anyone touch your luggage. They might attach a bomb to it or put one into. The signs everywhere say that
False. You must ALWAYS be alert. Don't assume every New Yorker is friendly.
Keep being naive then
Avoid Times Square as much as possible. If you’ve never seen it, go there for a short time and then leave quickly.
I was there 15 years ago and it was unimpressive. I was at the hard rock cafe and on the cinema where I watched inception
Times Square is probably where the phrase “tourist trap” originated. 😂
To add on to the clip about the performers that flip over volunteers. In Central Park, they’ll line up these volunteers during a cool stunt show. They’ll pass around the tip bag (it’s usually a very big audience) and tell the onlookers that if they collect enough tips and have a good dollar amount then they’ll follow through with the trick. After the tips are collected, they let you know it’s not enough and the audience then does not get their “grand finale”. This happens every time! They take your tips and make the crowd disperse. Another tip from a New Yorker. Greetings from NYC!
Thank you so much for creating more videos like this👏🏼🎉I’m flying to NYC in September from UK. Super excited and nervous at the same time due to all the scams I heard but watching your videos definitely helped me to be more cautious and vigilant in my upcoming trip
same here
I don’t take out cash at all or try to interact with anyone when I visit. This doesn’t just apply to NYC, it applies to everywhere I go
Hi John - We just return from New York for 1st time 5-day family trip. We had a great time there and New York is more magical than I imagined. Thanks for all those videos and tips.
The best NYC youtube channel hands down
@trey reese Totally agree 😂😢😮😅😊
Do not give your money to anybody let alone your phone .
If someone offers to take your bag they may literally take your bag.
Just run off whth your bag !
There's also that hahah
We saw most of these scams in Times Square and near the Battery but all and all, New York was amazing. We took the subway everywhere and I never felt unsafe. I can’t wait to go back. Oh, and the resort fee thing, yeah, I refused to stay anywhere that tried to play that game. We ended up staying in Queens and it was awesome. So much good food within walking distance and a decently priced hotel.
eh always be on guard in subways just in case
Lol which hotel in Queens
Thanks
Thanks for the video!💪 I’m going to New Your for the first time in my life in 2 weeks.😊🇺🇸 I’m super excited and a bit nervous at the same time.😁 Your videos are so helpful!
We are in New York right now. Really like your videos and have a couple suggested topics. 1. Toilets. Where are they near times square. 2. Wine. Where do you get it? Not in grocery stores. Not at CVS or Walgreens. Not at Trader joes.
1. Any sit-down restaurant (you’ll have to be a customer) or department store (at least pretend to shop while you make your way to the restroom).
2. Find a liquor store; Whole Foods also sells beer and wine.
The restaurants in Times Square are generally over priced and subpar in quality, so I'd consider that another tourist trap.
I want to thank you for all the imformation you are providing. It will be our first visit too New York in June
Excellent video and very accurate! A lot of the reasons why I moved to Mexico. Don't miss NYC at all.
Awesome tips throughout! Appreciate this update very much
:)
Why don't NYC officials crack down on these scams? If I was scammed, I would never want to return and make sure everyone I know, knows how bad a place is. Does not have to be NYC, it could be any city in any country.
They’re trying w the signage but it’s really not enough.
These are all brilliant tips from a great channel and if you're a first time visitor to NYC, you'd be scared and thinking "why bother" with all these noted scams going on, the City should be doing far more to help visitors who are bringing billions of dollars into the city. I'm lucky to have visited the worlds greatest city many times so I've got my wits about me (Sarah Funk also does great vids of scams too) and I've got one to add. When buying my subway ticket, some guy came up to me asking if I could 'change' a folded up $50 bill . . . . I told him to quickly 'do one' 😅😅
Happens in all big cities, hard to control places with huge populations. Paris, Barcelona, etc. I was swarmed by scammers the second I got off the bus/plane. No one cared, not even police.
It’s really impossible there .. end of story
because theyre petty. law enforcement anywhere isnt going to go after these kinds of scams. if u live in a racist area where there r corrupt cops and u r white and the other person is black, theyll murder on ur behalf but thats about it.
People can never be reminded too much to be on guard for those who wish to rip you off. Great n interesting video
Bill in Fort Wayne Indiana
I’ve been to NYC twice but I experienced a lot of this. It really is super common. I remember hearing about the mascots territorial attitude and worried I may get in a fight but no one bothered me. The guy with the CD followed me, autographed it, I just kept trying to take it as he was saying it was free but kept following me. Thinking back, why would I take that shit haha, I actually thought he may be a decent rapper. One bum hustled me very well. He saw I was having issues with the subway system, explained a whole bunch to me, showed me what to do then wanted money. I literally thought he was just some nice guy. I got initiated into the NY way pretty quick by the end of my trip I was bumping shoulders with ppl in crowds and ignoring all the hustlers.
How old are u? My son with his friends all in their 20 went everywhere across USA and were hustled. My husband and i - he is in his 60 and i m in my 50 went everywhere - nobody ever approached us. Well, once in Vegas a black guy called my husband a senator and proposed some vip tickets somewhere, but we just kept walking. I saw hustlers mostly approaching young people. Some of them were engaging. Well, lesson learnt
@@bambinaforever1402 was maybe 25, 26 at the time.
Great tips. Thank you. One thing I want to add to the Pedicab scam. The price is per minute and PER PERSON! What at rip off. And with the City Traffic is not worth at all
when i went to new york i ran into the last scam. i was so socially awkward and had no idea what was happening that they were yelling at me for wasting their time, despite them coming up to me while I was in a queue. had a random shop try the band thing that the monk did and they ended up taking all my money I had on me, 20cents (budgeted myself to only carry so much a day and was end of the day). oh and not a scam but woke up to the hotel having all its carpet taken.
I would never let a stranger handle my bag because I am too scared they would run off with it. I never heard of the baggage scam before. I would also be too scared to take an unlisted Uber/Lyft as I would be scared they would kidnap or rob me.
Speaking of scams I saw signs around Times Square about pickpocketing. I was pickpocketed at the NYBG, so keep an eye on your things.
The baggage scam happened to me about 10 years ago in Shanghai. Took a cab to the Shanghai train station, and the second the cab driver opened the trunk so I could get my bag, some guy standing on the curb grabbed it and told me to follow him. He did carry it a fairly long way (it wasn't a rolling suitcase,) but at the end he tried to charge me something like $80. I think I gave him about $15. He was pretty angry and started arguing with me, but when it was clear he wasn't going to get more, he turned around and went off in a huff.
I’ve been to Mexico several times on cruises so I’ve seen very similar hustling techniques. As far as the “help pay for my ticket” thing at stations, I’ve always thought if you think they are being genuine you walk with them to the ticket booth before giving them anything and watch them purchase the ticket so that way if anything they are losing money if they are trying to scam you (or just do as the video says and don’t engage)
O my god, why would anyone ask for help to buy a ticket. What is there to help with - u say where u re going which is the same in all languages and then show on fingers how many u need
@@bambinaforever1402 no money to buy the "ticket" duh...
9:25 I’ve lived in Battery Park City for pretty much my entire life, and these guys, the red vests and the blue vests, show up every summer like clock work. Can’t count the number of times I’ve been approached by em.
I had a similar situation with the guys in costumes. I saw Captain America and wanted a picture, he obliged and I got a really good picture. A few moments later I took a picture with Green Arrow and he asked for a tip and said that’s how they make a living. I gave him 5 bucks and he was happy. I returned to Captain America and asked him why he didn’t bring up the tip, he said “ most older people who ask to take pictures are just trying to humiliate me or make fun of me. I could tell you’re just a Captain America fan and you were so nice I felt bad asking” I ended up giving him 20 dollars because he was so damn cool. He even warned me about them trying to trick you into a photo so they can beg for a tip.
Very nice tips! Can you do a video about comedy clubs in NYC like which ones you recommend and don't recommend?
I used hate walking through TS when running service calls. So much of a head ache. When walking through times square I’d put in earbuds but not have music playing. So I could still hear what’s going on around me but be able to ignore people
That is nuts don't know how or why people live there or go there I could never do it.
@@eagle25311 most people that live there avoid there. I only go when I have a job there or if some one is visiting and they wanna go.
totally recommend the TKTS booth. got 2 tickets to Book Of Mormon 10 minutes before it started for 80 bucks each.
It’s funny - I just found an old album of photos from my first trip to NYC exactly thirty years ago. I went to see the original casts of Phantom and Chess when both were new. The city has changed a lot in 35 years! I don’t think we encountered any scammers at all back them. Plenty of hookers and people selling obvious counterfeits on the street, but none of the stuff you show here. I guess maybe we encountered people selling subway tokens outside the stations…I can’t remember if that was NYC, Boston, London, or Paris. We knew better than to buy subway tokens from random strangers, at least. I guess the best advice is the advice you give here several times - don’t make eye contact, don’t engage, just walk away.
Will never pay resort fee, period. I went to the LVH Hotel in Las Vegas, as I was checking out in 2012, guy got in a huge argument about the resort fee, which he had no knowledge of. I had made my confirmed reservation before the fee kicked in. If that is the end of my travels so be it.
Resort fees don't cover the gym, pool, or other amenities. Resort fees are the exact same thing as convenience fees or service charges. They are mandatory fees that don't do anything.
Yes, resort fees is a scam, resort fees should be prohibited.
It is just to rip off hotel guest legally
I’m going to New York next month. I’m so glad I ran across your helpful videos.
I cannot believe the ATM scam that is horrible!
I have heard not to engage with anyone who tries to talk to you in Times Square.
Thank you for your helpful tips
Another scam you can fall for, someone on a busy street corner will try approaching you then making small talk with you. If you talk with them, they will ask for you to donate to a random fake cause. If you don’t, they get super pushy and agressive.
Had this happen near Times Square next to krispy kreme donuts. Guy said he was collecting for homeless guys but had his money in a tupperware 😂
Thanks you! Very helpful tips!! Going in August, so needed to watch this.
Don't forget the guy at Central station that directs you to your bus gate and expects a tip passive aggressively.
Thanks! I’m visiting with my family at the end of next month and these videos help me feel better prepared.
I guess things have mellowed with more police presence. Many years ago I went to New York with a girl I was dating. I would say I was 21 and she was 19-20. Outside this arcade was this guy with a sign selling fake id's. We started talking about them and I said sure why not. He said well we can't do it here in public and needed to go behind the building. My dumb, trusting, butt was about to go with him when the owner of the store started screaming at me "no don't go with him." The guy told him to mind his own business but the store owner still persisted to tell me not to go back there. I told the guy forget about it. When I went up to the store owner he told me that if I went back there him and his buddies would have robbed me. I'm not ashamed to admit I was rattled by that for years what could have happened. That store owner could have saved my life.
Why could have? He DID. How old are u
Did bro admit to buying a fake id???
He did well by warning you. Hope store owner is okay.
I’m sorry I wouldn’t be going back anywhere with anyone for any reason. Period. That’s just mind blowing. Common sense and a little street smarts go a long way. Glad you didn’t end up doing it but come on 😂
2:30 This tip is very important. I am not entirely sure why 3rd party websites dont display the exluded fees on a larger print. Again not every hotel in NY does this but some hotes have some hidden fees like cleaning fees that can go around $100. Be careful while booking.
When I was in NY last year a black person came to me and wanted to sell me his CD: "Do you like Hip Hop?" "I am sorry I have no time." and then he asked, while I was rushing by "Do you support black people?" and I said to decline his expected offer "No". I thought he is asking something to make me stop and did not expect this question. Really uncomfortable.
The rip offs happening so often and sometimes I wanted to help those people "in need"/being ripped of but I can't rescue the world and this is probably going to happen like forever.
Say "Helping black people is racist as it means you are thinking black people are not able to help themselves".
Ive been in New York since Tuesday and maybe because I'm traveling solo I don't look like a tourist I haven't experienced any issues so far.
Yeah I’m amazed with how aggressive the costume characters are; when I went to New York last year we were stood on time square watching how they would just crowd/surround people after having a photo taken and even the ones who weren’t in the photo!
Yeah I’m amazed with how aggressive the costume characters are; when I went to New York last year we were stood on time square watching how they would just crowd/surround people after having a photo taken and even the ones who weren’t in the photo!
It's interesting to know . Thank you for your advices
I always thought that CD scam in Mr. Robot wasn't realistic. Like who would take a CD from some random guy on the street and put it in their PC? Seems like it's real :D
How’s the weather currently? Is a sweater recommended to take still?
That was great advise - reminds everyone to be prepared mentally to brush off & be well guarded from unscrupulous persons. Best defense is to be prepared .
Excellent video and I visit NYC all the time! Was definitely unaware of some of these scams.
All of my OCD friends cringed in unison when he said "ATM Machines" (what does the M stand for?).
I live in NYC and had no idea about some of these scams. Thanks for telling people.
I’ve lived in Queens my entire life and went to Penn Station for the 100th time to take an AmTrak train. Some woman came up to me in Penn (this was before Moynihan) and said where am I going? Can she show me the way to the AmTrak waiting room? I said no, thanks, I know where I’m going. She must have thought I was a tourist, I had luggage. Looking at her, God only knows what she had in mind if I accepted! Beware 24/7!
Thanks for the video! I'm a very friendly person and love to say hello to people. However, after watching this video (we'll be in New York City in about 10 days) I know that I need to be less friendly! Can't wait to visit, especially knowing some of NYCs scams possibilities.
I figured the bus one was a scam. Was in White Plains, but the guy looked like he could beat me up if I didn't.. so I knew to only pay for a fare and just handed him $3.
Just last summer I was 15 walking down to time square with my grandma and aunt, when suddenly a bunch of guys surrounded me offering me a CD mixtape. I was really scared and confused, but luckily both my aunt and grandma are from NY and took care of them quickly. Left safe and sound. (They wanted 20 bucks for a CD)
@DonnellOkafor-pd7yn I was surrounded being pressured into paying for one
Thanks for your video, I watched it before going to NYC and found it helpful. I stayed in TS and had no problem with the "fake" monks approaching me and only saw a few of them. The "CD guys" are transitioning over to QR codes are got rude when I ignored them. Lastly, I was watching the "street performers" and wanted me to one of their volunteers and I turned them down. Needless to say, they didn't like it when I turn them down.
Thank you brother 🙏
For these great Tips 💛
Great advice that is absolutely true. I have had people attempt to scam me with several of these. I just keep walking and ignore them.
Thanks. We stayed by Times Square for our first trip this week and everyone of these scammers approached us… monks, characters, CDs, etc. my family was prepared
The candy selling scam is one of the oldest scams in NYC, what you’re saying is a modern version of the scam. Also, if you’re trying to get money out from an ATM, head to a bank branch or Duane Reade/CVS since its more secure (aka indoors with the banks requiring a card to enter the ATM’s at times).
Great information. Thank you Jon
Ill admit, I fell for the food one. ONCE. Most expensive milkshake I ever purchased. LOL. Live and learn.
We were in Vegas, my husband saw a cookie stand, wanted to get one, i told him ask how much does it cost first. It was 12 dollars. One cookie. He said no thank u. I said i knew that - this is Vegas baby
These scams are making my head hurt! I cant believe people are that desperate
I’m researching because my 13 year old daughter has wanted to go for years even though I don’t even know where she got the ideas. She wants to see a Broadway show among other things and I thought I was researching to plan our trip for this spring, now I’m completely second guessing it. Single woman with a 13 year old girl and a 1 year old. Maybe I better not.
@@JoST41 You should go ahead and plan the trip! Just try to avoid the scams. Don't buy any tickets off of people. It should be an overall fun trip if you plan smart.
Got to be careful of tourist traps whereever you go to be fair. Love NYC ❤
very helpful. Thank you!
I unfortunately fell victim to the $14 Hotdog Scam… 2 weeks ago.
Happened to me as well...
I was approach twice in grand central terminal to go to a bible study class at night. 😟
Helpful information, thank you!
Why is there a sign saying”If you’re handed a compact disc, it’s free. Tipping is optional”? Everyone knows the discs are blank, music apps are in, and people can upload their music on social media.
Thx for your videos ! I wish knew your Channel before. I Come from France and I felt stupid when i got scammed by Fake hip hop performers selling their cd's 😢
Easy to avoid: Say "You like hip hop, I prefer music" or " I do not have a CD-player anymore".
Sad to say, there are similar videos warning about scams and pickpockets in Rome, Paris, probably everywhere there are tourists.
Thanks for these informations. Very helpful. Take care
Lmao i was on the staten island ferry really late one night, there was like hardly anyone on it. Some like 7 year old came up and asked for a donation to his basket ball team and i said i didnt have money. He said fuck you dumbass and left 😂
It's been awhile since I have seen any of ur videos God bless you and your wife and your baby 👶. It's good seeing u. 😊🙏Baltimore MD
Yep... the CD scam happend to me and my girlfriend.. cost us 100 DOLLARS...
Lol wtf
Bruh... just keep walking
Well done King. You're doing so well mtanami!!!
Love New York but you need to leave all nicessities and pleasantries (not including wait or service staff) at home. Jon is 100% correct, do not stop or engage with any stranger on street, everyone trying to hustle.
When I first got to NYC in 92 skinny kid and mom in JFK with big bags and no English. There comes helpful guy with cart and then later annoyed uncle saying or look only few mins in country and “getting “ help. In hindsight it was a good thing and my uncle…, Just reminded me of fun memory 😃
haha
I felt like such an idiot when I gave 3 dollars for the cd. Later I found out I did a lot better than most people.
Just a reminder that these scams aren’t just a NYC phenomenon, they literally happen everywhere.
I’ve had the monks approach me in NYC, had costumed people try to get me to take a photo in LA, ran into the CD scam in Seattle, and actually fell for an airport shuttle scam in Atlanta.
llllo7lollllllllollll
llllo7lollllllllollll
llllo7lollllllllollll
just ignore thi
Why can't people just make an honest living...
3:55 ATM "machie" huh? 🤣 I also love my automated teller machine machine...
Another good tip to let people know is the tourist/restaurant fee. Be expected to pay an additional fee when dining out. However you can ask your server to remove it from your check.
Another good tip to let people know is the tourist/restaurant fee. Be expected to pay an additional fee when dining out. However you can ask your server to remove it from your check
Several years ago, my nephew purchased a camera from a street vendor in Chinatown area. They sold him a camera box with some stone inside it. What happened the street vendor ran off and handed him the supposed camera. When he opened the box, he found out he had been scammed. 😅 I always check any merchandise that I buy, even from a store, to ensure the quality and whether I get the the right things.
That's an old scam 😅
Here is a thing I'm learning about people in Time Square that may shock some people. I now believe people in TIME SQUARE ACTUALLY WANT TO BE RIPPED OFF. BELIVE IT OR NOT!
I was a times square performer a few years ago. These guys killed it for me and so many others just trying to get our names out there. And now that they have the little green boxes you need to stand in in order to collect tips, they take them all up down to the last square inch.
6:30 in my experience, the booth isn't cheaper compared to the cheapest seats, but you will get a better seat, possibly at only half the price. Consider this when waiting at the booth.