Beware of Statue of Liberty boat ride scams

[@johnaltobello5095]

Why aren't they arrested?

[@Noorullah1]

I would assume a majority of them are third-party attraction/experiences salesmen for lesser known tourism companies in NYC. I would bet they sell tickets to get on a boat that goes near Liberty Island and to several others. They are trying to poach customers away from going directly to the main vendor for transport to Liberty Island.

[@johnaltobello5095]

@@Noorullah1 that was the whole story..

[@SBmasta441]

@@johnaltobello5095 It isn't illegal to sell tickets for a boat that goes near Liberty Island but not to it. They are misleading indirectly by saying "statue of liberty tours" but most people probably assume it goes to the island itself and don't ask questions.

[@johnaltobello5095]

@@SBmasta441 it's still fraud..

[@Gn777-rk5kg]

Defund the police remember

[@ilivemylifeaquartermileata9147]

Those scammers are so aggressive. They dont take "No" for an answer and follow you all around.

[@tdon39]

I can be aggressive too.😂

[@ilivemylifeaquartermileata9147]

@tdon39 I dunno bro... their style of aggression is very "gas lighting" haha. Making you feel guilty and bad for not buying from them lol

[@AverageJoe483]

Try traveling outside the USA. It’s even worse .

[@Riza20462]

​@@tdon39 nic ker

[@tdon39]

@@Riza20462 and proud of it.

[@Userf451]

Have cities given up on enforcing the law?

[@johnjones5354]

Yes.

[@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb]

There can't because they selling a real tour that's not fraud or a scam I assume they are other ways to go to statue of liberty not just on it..go near it because people just don't want to go off they want to see the whole new York a cruise so that's what they are selling that's what I see

[@MisfitsFiendClub138]

Yes they have. Shoplifting is a nationwide epidemic now

[@tomhenry897]

Yes

[@anthonyurgitano2114]

New York has definitely given up. It’s not the police fault. The prosecutors release every criminal that gets arrested and are basically not pressing charges or setting any bail. It’s sad.

[@chrisb3017]

Pay attention to all events in NYC. Everything can be a scam. We visited last year and we couldn’t go a block without being asked to buy some tour. We simply ignored them and kept walking.

[@sdfv4zx]

The minorities usually black and hispanic and middle eastern never trust them with my dollar.

[@solracer66]

We bought tickets from the official vendor (Statue City Cruises) a few years ago and then had an unexpected one day delay arriving in NYC thanks to Southwest cancelling our connecting flight and delaying us 24 hours. Thankfully it was a quick phone call to switch to the same cruise a day later and it all worked out well. I can't see why anyone would risk booking with one of those fly by night outfits when the service from the official vendor is so good!

[@ashwilliams999]

If I remember correctly a similar situation used to exist in San Francisco where only one operator had the contract to land people at Alcatraz. Other boats advertised the island, being careful to mention that they only went past it. Not sure what it’s like there these days

[@TheOtherKine]

Still is the case

[@ffjsb]

I wouldn't go anywhere near San Fran.

[@dustfart466]

@@ffjsbI wouldn’t go anywhere near America .

[@ffjsb]

@@dustfart466 We wouldn't want you anywhere near us. Go play with your cat troll.

[@JamminClemmons]

@@dustfart466 What’s interesting about (you people) & your alcoholism ...........is that just a few years before the infamous potato famine, Ireland was the site of a massively successful temperance campaign led by the noted Catholic priest, Theobald Mathew. So successful was this campaign that between 1838 and 1841, their national alcohol consumption was cut in half.

[@samanthab1923]

How is this allowed? It’s theft by deception

[@TheOtherKine]

Happens in every country around the world. Not every business like this have to be sanctioned by the government, they are just independent businesses

[@jacksonpeck4409]

It's allowed because ppl of new York claim to be self made or independent Republicans but the reality is they are like little children dems tryin to hustle or get over on someone now new York State folks are very diff than new York City folks so don't all gang up on me at once lolol

[@jacksonpeck4409]

​@@TheOtherKineof course it does we all know that but his question is how does new York allow it to continue even tho they have stop and frisk laws no hand guns economy is in the shitter or did I jus explain it to him

[@TheOtherKine]

@@jacksonpeck4409 It happens cos it's a FREE economy, Merica keeps saying so LMAO

[@SW-mc2zx]

​@@jacksonpeck4409City probably gets a cut from the scammers.

[@terencem8795]

I'm sending lots of thoughts and prayers for anyone who was scammed by a boat.😮

[@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb]

I don't think this is a scam if they got a boat to see it but nit get off not everyone want to get off the island they are always 2 sides of the story wish they could say there's!

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

How dare you send your thouhts and prayers to people that got scammed a few bucks and not to people suffering in palestine or some disaster area that is trending today?!?!? Come on! This is social media 2024! We can do better than that! 😂

[@TheOtherKine]

Like the Titanic? Wasn't supposed to sink, was it? LMAO

[@vickycameron632]

The Community Board 1 that lies within these areas has been speaking about this illegal vendors for years! The City has not done enough to limit this crime.

[@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb]

But I see that the city have them get there ticket license and they have that on so why are they illegal because they are black history still repeating themselves shame on these fake news.

[@duckmercy11]

Are these speaking up about fake Chinese bootlegs on Canal Street too? Or just brothers selling statue tickets?

[@rhoefferle]

And yet, nobody is stopping it

[@TheOtherKine]

Why do they have to?

[@geeeunit]

@@TheOtherKine Ask yourself why you feel the need to defend these people on ever comment, and you'll figure out a lot about yourself.

[@TheOtherKine]

@@geeeunit Is that what you do to stoke your own ego? I was asking a genuine question, I don't get what the problem is if there are no LAWS against it

[@geeeunit]

@@TheOtherKine I'm trying to help another fellow human. Take a look at yourself and learn.

[@anettemurgalla5607]

Thank you for this clip - I always warn my guests about these scams! Especially tourists who aren't native English speakers are vulnerable for these kind of scams. Just say no and don't engage.

[@FraserAtSea]

I always see the Statue by taking the free ferry - it runs right in front of it, and you get an awesome view. If you’re not bothered about climbing the statue, just go for the free option!

[@hvcool]

I have ran into these for the empire state building. They say this is price for the fast lane, in the end its the regular lane and your already 2hrs in when its too late.

[@richard1493]

How did you fall for a boat ride scam to the Empire State Building

[@arxvphoto809]

NYPD like 🥱😴

[@couchpotatoes5158]

unfortunatelty the police cant't do anyhting becasue they aren't breaking any laws

[@nightsphenom7122]

@@couchpotatoes5158they actually are. They’re pretending to be working for the actual cruise company which is bs. Made my whole family overpay for a bootleg boat with foldable chairs

[@vincentnnyc]

Why not tickets those illegal?

[@amritsingh8918]

right???

[@BeefZupreme]

One goes 5 other pop up, takes up time money and energy that could be better utilized.

[@skippydeenice]

*undocumented tickets

[@duckmercy11]

Because they are legitimate tickets, they just dont go directly to Liberty Island.

[@FunkyChild718]

I'm gonna stand there too and point everyone to the staten island ferry so they can see it for free.

[@mlong9475]

I've learned there are scammer also by the ferry trying to trick people into paying to get on.

[@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb]

That boat don't go to the statue of liberty it goes to where people live is like getting on the train it's a New York boat just buy a cruise if you don't want to go around!!

[@FunkyChild718]

@@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb You really had to point that out? I've lived in NYC since the 1980s.

[@jonathan248]

@@FunkyChild718 So you're aware that the ferry doesn't stop at Liberty Island, yet you decided not to mention it. Either you actually didn't know or are bad at giving suggestions for those looking for an equivalent option.

[@FunkyChild718]

@@jonathan248 Pointing out that the STATEN ISLAND ferry doesn't stop at Liberty Island is one of the most useless things you can do.

[@christhornton1785]

Is there ANYTHING anymore that these kind of people won't try to pull a scam?

[@roachtoasties]

I'm assuming this is another tour that gives you a boat ride. If they say they'll leave you off and pick you up from Ellis Island and they don't, then it's fraud. Obviously they can't do that. I wouldn't say it's a scam because they're actually offering a boat ride and not saying they are leaving you off and picking you up from the island. Buyers need to be aware. Alternative tours like this aren't just unique to New York City.

[@wolf17238]

The first time I went to NY (tourist from LA), I took the Staten Island ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. It was free.

[@IceGuye]

Emmmmm, if they offered you a cheaper price for a boat ride around the Statues, and not advertised to drop you off on the island, it's not a scam though. This happens everywhere around the world. When you buy something from multiple options, you should know the differences. Some tour agents even just offer you a drive in the city, and don't even include any offers for entering any buildings... You have to pay the extra fee to enter the buildings. My parents sometimes like those tours better because of the cheaper price, and they just want to take some photos in front of those historical sites, but don't bother to enter.

[@zeldath0t65]

anyone notice how the anchor on the right is dressed like the statue of liberty 🗽 ? lol

[@HR-wd6cw]

These things unfortunately are not uncommon in big tourist areas. I can't tell you how many people approached me in Key West for various excursions, etc, and after turning them all down I later found out that most were bogus or didn't quite live up to what they were promising (I did go on some excursions but only after doing some research and going directly to the tour companies). So don't be surprised about this and do your research (ideally, before you go to a place like NYC, Statue of LIberty, or any large tourist destination).

[@Islam4-ever-channel]

Ok where is the police

[@RomanesEuntDomus.]

They're too busy protecting immigrants

[@BeefZupreme]

Yea cost more taxes to be wasted. If npc arent aware enough, then they shouldn’t be in charge .

[@Riza20462]

​@@BeefZupreme george floyd

[@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb]

Why they would be police they is no crime selling a tour which they are selling just you can't get off on the island they can't arrest them they are legal vendors!

[@Riza20462]

@@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb u must be one of em scammers

[@rosssmith6205]

Not just the Big Apple or SFO. My wife & I are Aussies and have visited the USA 4 times, each time making sure we include Hawaii. A visit to the USS Arizona was always included in our visits, mainly to honour the brave people who gave all to help us in a time of need. On our first trip, we were bombarded by scammers trying to sell us boat tours that showed us the highlights of Pearl Harbour and included the USS Arizona Memorial. A very polite local policeman stepped up to us and enquired if we actually wanted to step onto the Memorial, stating if so we would have to go the USN base as only US navy vessels could take visitors there. Later a short, cheap ride on the Bus to the base, we had our first memorable and great experience. We are planning another trip next year,(depending on Nov. 5 outcome), as I want to see the USS Missouri.

[@WallyTony]

This has been going on for 20 years and the city just allows it because they get a cut.

[@dannydaw59]

There's only 1 company that goes to liberty island. That's the problem.

[@MrLegendra]

How is it a scam they make it clear you don’t actually go down onto. The island

[@nightsphenom7122]

It’s 100% a scam. They overcharge and don’t mention that they’re not with the legit company. They pretend to be working for the legit company. Happened to me and my family there other day

[@bobholly3843]

What I've been told & what I see on the gov website for the statue, is that many times you need to reserve your tickets in advance. When there, i did take a tour, but the the vendors (They had badges from the state, but i don't know if those were real) were upfront that it didn't take you too liberty island, but got close to it. That was fine with me & got some nice pics.

[@rdsunsb]

I use free boat ride from battery park to state island and back.

[@robertbragg9364]

I dont understand why it's illegal to take a boat with people to ellis Island? Why is there only one option for people to get there?

[@nightsphenom7122]

I bought legit tickets for the ferry last night for 12pm for my whole family. It was 12:30pm when I got out of the station and these men with vests said that I’m late and they’re sold out. Then he told me he can sell me tickets but I won’t be able to get on the island. He charged me $59 per ticket when he said it was $35 and it was a bootleg boat with FOLDABLE CHAIRS. I am in the process of disputing the charge because he pretended to be with the legit Statue of Liberty ferry company

[@DAMusic-qu2ec]

What country is this?

[@user7897]

Nigeria!

[@mansize6622]

Amorica

[@TomGeek1980]

This can also go for a boat that is coming into the USA from another country. Don't get scammed that way.

[@JustTiisLeague]

They got to climb the whole way up on that trip? Some people wait for months to a year in cue. How did that man get access immediately? Ps. Don’t buy from food vendors that don’t display their prices. If you don’t, you’ll end up paying twice the amount.

[@vickiesmith3021]

Thank you so much for your video.

[@chrispatten7565]

I see a certain type of people. 9 times out of 10 they are no good.

[@G_Vegas22]

I was there to see Macy's parade, and I specifically remember that black dude with the red cap at Battery Park.

[@lothean2099]

And yet you dont arrest them.

[@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb]

Why they are legal vendors!

[@MovieGuy.]

They sell you a ticket to their boat, which drives you around the island, but doesn’t actually take you to the island . It’s not illegal; you need to read the fine print and have an ounce of street smarts

[@davidempire4874]

To avoid these scams, go to Liberty State Park to get the boat.

[@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb]

Or do a cruise circle line water taxi this all cruises Big city and they are better than waiting on a line for hours

[@davidempire4874]

@@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb Or take the free Staten Island Ferry

[@keithstrohler2575]

The cruise is a scam. We had tickets for 2 Pm. All the boats were way over sold. We couldn’t get on a boat till 3 Pm even though we got there 30 mins early.

[@duckmercy11]

But you did get on right?

[@dbelex]

Oh look.......the common denominator.

[@gage51desoto]

That is why I get my tickets online on the legit site.

[@anthonygallo3576]

If the vendors are illegal why are they allowed to operate. The legitimate vendor should throw some reimbursable funds to the NYPD to get those people to stop selling.

[@paulg9484]

I got scammed when visiting. lost 100$

[@RedsHitpostMedia]

What a message to tourists "welcome to largest symbol America but you might get scammed visiting it. "

[@JoshSampson-bb2cw]

There's a color pattern

[@danielcarter491]

What ever happened to that scam at the Empire State Building?

[@macrodriguez7777]

I lived in nyc and trust me these scammers are lightweights compared to the scammers in Europe

[@Sureyoudo]

I do see a common denominator!

[@duckmercy11]

So do I, in youtube comments

[@peterddb1593]

Actually, there is a third place that sells tickets and that’s at liberty state park in NJ.

[@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb]

And Big City tours that's a tour boat look it up!

[@peterddb1593]

@@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb I did look it up. Their website says "please note that the cruise does not include a stop on the island."

[@timetraveler9218]

If someone every approach would when traveling always say no or better just ignore them

[@noneete]

happened to my family and they were being hella aggressive literally shouting at my mom and anyways got lured in and jad to stand it 90/32 degree heat for 2 hours waiting for a boat it was hell

[@JoeCoolFlyingAce]

Why aren't they arrested for false/misleading advertising?

[@markm5287]

Where did you see them advertise that they actually go TO the island and dock? I didn't see that. When are people going to quit expecting the world to hold their hand through everything? How hard is it to ask a simple question... "Does this boat dock on the island so I can go inside the statue?". A fool and his money are soon parted if you don't question what you spend your money on.

[@w.urlitzer1869]

don't they have police in Manhattan?

[@ccityplanner1217]

These boats go to the Statue of Liberty and so do United Airlines. Would you tell someone to take the Q train if they wanted Manhattan Bridge?

[@ccityplanner1217]

We need an American Honest Guide.

[@rayray8687]

There wouldn’t be much in it.

[@ccityplanner1217]

@@rayray8687 : I'm talking about the KZbinr Janek Rubesz.

[@chrisrivera3347]

Take the Staten Island ferry for free…

[@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb]

That's not a boat tour unless you want to be riding with homeless people and people that can rob you it's a New Yoek boat why come all the way from another country to ride a boat for free that goes away from statue of liberty now that's a scam

[@dylanphotography5050]

I went with my family from toronto that area full of scammers and Police wont do anything even those ticket scammers so aggressive even they have weapon but police said us only they can do anything if they hurt us...... NEW YORK TRIP GAVE US SCARRY EXPERENCE

[@kendrickgreer]

Just take the damn Staten Island Ferry- it’s free 😂

[@klae7058]

Does it stop there or go past?

[@mlong9475]

It's as bad as those trying to trick you onto paying to get on the Staten Island ferry which hard to believe is free. My wife almost got scammed the first time she went to go on it by one of these people. Thankfully I was there and stopped her.

[@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb]

Why did you stop her she probably wanted to see New York from the water she would had fun...you a Karen she needed to leave you there !

[@mlong9475]

@@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb You don't understand. THe Statan Island Ferry is FREE. There are scammers trying to trick you into paying THEM. We went on the ferry for FREE. NOT A KAREN. Please read MORE !!!

[@joelavrunin347]

Next they need to take down the Hop On Hop Off bus!

[@SimpleMeFPV]

Up to 76 illegal activities going on at the same time and no cops writing tickets 🤔. Are you sure it’s really illegal?

[@bdstratton1979]

We almost fell for the scam when visiting from Australia. Luckily i did my research

[@bman6502]

Technically it’s not illegal to take someone on a boat ride.. they just leave off the fact that they can’t land on the island..

[@nightsphenom7122]

No they’re lying about being with the legit company when they’re actually working for a bootleg boat company

[@RodgerMudd]

They mess up everything all the time every place they go in the world.

[@mikeyh0]

The Statue of Liberty is almost ironic at this point. Can an entire nation be self-deluded? I guess it did happen in Germany, didn't it? And the USSR. Well, it's happening here.

[@JonJon_LP]

He said between 75 and 76 lol 😂

[@robertmorgan1008]

That man has an exact count of them all lol. Don't play with someone's money.

[@cyclemadness]

Did your grandparents have a visa to enter the USA before they left for the USA?

[@nikiryan8648]

scammers are everywhere, even at the feet of Liberty herself.

[@starshine3588]

If only there was some sort of system in place to stop people committing fraud like this….oh yeah there already is….it’s called have the police arrest them and have the courts send them to prison for scamming the public. Or at least hire security officers to keep these other vendors from being able to approach people to begin with.

[@Bennygk-yw2fx]

Sheesh $25 now😮😮

[@leoruiz3969]

They should arrest them

[@brownm279]

Shut them down. Hire a sign person to follow them around with scam sign that points to them. Or some loud dude to yell scam all day,

[@pasques]

Some people aren't interested in actually going to the SoL. A ride around is just fine.

[@aasstock8465]

Buy ticket in the ticket booth.

[@Johnthecollie]

There seems to be a common denominator for all these vendors.

[@N3CrO]

Is it too much to ask for the city to do their duty and prosecute the illegal activities?

[@vanbilly8387]

and the common denominator is...

[@hawkhillfalconer3529]

They're lying con men. America seems to love lying con men. #45 set such a wonderful example. Even with a criminal record.

[@kakumeikeahi]

this seems to be something undercover cops could easily clean up

[@spacebreak8032]

I am mass reporting their website to google , taking it down , one report at a time.

[@boines]

Always go to booths for anything bc these ppl can steal your card info as well as id. I even trust online sometimes bc fake sites etc.

[@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb]

Than pay cash simple !

[@JohnSmith-nj4zq]

These scammers look like the fake taxi services from the airports.

[@GeneralHawk505]

Especially at Jetblues Terminal 5

[@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb]

But they are not scammers I bet if they was white you won't say that is that they are black...racism at is best still!!

[@tomhenry897]

Where’s Mayor Adams police

[@TheDewaltBoy]

Lol 75 to 76. Pretty damn specific

[@robertmorgan1008]

And that's on a bad day. On a good day you might see 67 to 68.

[@carloszamudio4492]

Statue of Antenna TV 📺, see 👀 humans...aight 😉

[@jimprior5700]

What is common about these illegal vendors?

[@scorporsupremacy7948]

Im wondering if the same people who can stop this are the SAME people who are profiting from this 🤔

[@Gl-pv3zl]

I can't believe they're still doing that they've been doing that for years

[@bamababii5989]

They tried to get my boyfriend and I and i sniffed out the scam right away

[@liamlee8422]

Where is the law and order ? Why are we allowing this lawlessness to continue in broad daylight ?

[@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb]

Because ths city made them get ticket license to sell tickets and than news prints out this they are legal vendors they paid to get there license so how they are a scam

[@mybedroomtv]

beware? GO AFTER THEM THEY ARE SCAMMING

[@davidd415]

I’ve lived in nyc 40 years and never been there 😜

[@pytube777]

Same for me living in SF for 50 years and never been to Alcatraz.

[@danielklee92]

ive been to NYC 3 times and have never been there...

[@Daniel-qg4mf]

Arrested them and put them in jail. They are in there every fucking day. They know who they are.

[@Solo-M-rf4em]

I promise you, this isn't on my bucket list.

[@shanethrelfall416]

Unfortunately this is totally legal It’s not a scam It’s simple “buyer beware”

[@nightsphenom7122]

It is a scam because they’re pretending to be with the legit ferry company

[@inksday]

If you want to take a ride PASSED the Statue of Liberty you just take the Staten Island Ferry for free.

[@muhamedjones122]

It's crazy I never been to the statue of liberty.

[@AkbarMeighan-hq2qb]

Than do the cruise is better than on the island I know because I did a cruise Big City best tour from the water!!

[@mikefagan6840]

The Statue of Liberty ticket booth has been in the SAME location for GENERATIONS! GO THERE......PERIOD! Dopes. 😂

[@toddb9311]

And some will sell tickets for the Wall Street bull statue 😕

[@boblab]

And the overtaxed citizens and guests of this corrupt city aren't protected my the lazy employees and politicians. The city gets worse every year.