NYC's WORST Scams Exposed! (2025 Edition)

[@HereBeBarr]

Watch These Next: NYC Travel Tips For First Timers- kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3nWpXaeidmqh9U& and I Ranked NYC's Most Famous Restaurants From WORST To BEST: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3fGhHtjm8-CnKc

[@davebowker1113]

Move

[@milagrosalicea4035]

They do the same thing in the Bronx Mott haven! Third avenue section!

[@Thomas.Bolleiro]

Your New York is a walking scam. 1200 dollars per 400 square feet? No, thank you

[@eternity.in.a.m0m3nt]

You can bypass all these caution rules just by profiling,if its white person you engage,if its not ignore.

[@carkawalakhatulistiwa]

Moskow metro vs new york subway

[@CommandoMaster]

The biggest scam in NYC is the astronomical prices that you have to pay to live there!

[@dannyvalles6624]

Don’t live there then

[@TheSilentWhales]

Do not blame the city for you being poor.

[@CommandoMaster]

@@TheSilentWhales calm down fanboy

[@CommandoMaster]

@@dannyvalles6624 don't have to

[@FRANKRIO-jv1sq]

👴🏻🥃 THEN MOVE , BUTTHEAD

[@jimwoo9552]

Avoid all vendors who do not post their prices, Red flag !

[@Frankieefootballmundial]

The same for bars which happen to me once they didn’t gave me no menu and the bartender charge me twice of what was sold

[@nicholasrella6904]

Don't speak to anyone that approaches you on the street. No one is trying to be friendly. No one needs help. As soon as they get anywhere near me I say "no" right away. I don't care what you have to say. The answer is no. Get away from me. Don't let them guilt trip you & act you're rude. Be mean. Be nasty. Let them know you are not a nice person. They will quickly move on to the next sucker.

[@jamesc210]

Tourists and even locals often legitimately ask for directions. But I agree, it's good to be highly skeptical for anyone approaching you, especially if they get in your physical path/ are smiling too much/you're in a touristy area

[@josepreciadocortes8224]

I talk to random people in the city all the time, and have great conversations.

[@jamesc210]

@@josepreciadocortes8224 me too! There are lots of nice and interesting people everywhere in New York

[@nicholasrella6904]

@duncanclan123 That's why so many people I know are planning on moving to Tennessee. I've heard it's beautiful. I love the south. The hospitality & manners. The food, the friendliness, the cleanliness, everything. I hope to leave NY & move down south some day myself.

[@nicholasrella6904]

Don't get me wrong. I'm very friendly & outgoing & I talk to people all the time. I make friends everywhere I go. It's just better to be safe than sorry in NY. You can't let your guard down to easily. There are way too many scumbags & scams out there.

[@Zacht1980]

You mean buying something from a random guy on the street that came out of a garbage bag could go wrong?

[@RamonWhite-l4m]

That's the basis of FB Marketplace/Craigslist and every app!

[@John-gr5tx]

All high street or low street come out of the same bag. Off the same truck, made in the same Chinese factory. Don't fall for that old my shiny box comes from a fairy place where nothing can go wrong story they feed you in the neon shop!

[@jerrycaffee2161]

Unbelievable

[@j.graham8068]

On one trip to NYC I was taking photos with my new DSLR camera. A guy came up and started asking questions about it, claiming to be a beginner photographer. We chatted for a bit and he seemed pretty nice, then he asked if he could look through the viewfinder and held out his hand. Um, no.

[@XanderShiller]

This is my concern as a beginner.. ive been shooting footage for a movie for the last six months (by myself) and while i was ok asking strangers who aren't tweeking to take a pic/video of me (desperate measures), i dont have the same confidence if i get a video camera..

[@XanderShiller]

My solution was to take a party cruise across the Hudson.. I'm actually alive and it was VERY safe.. I'm adding it to my movie. If anyone wants to see or support, the channel Is XanderLeoShiller

[@Andy224]

No matter what, never interact with strangers. Ever.

[@Neville60001]

@@Andy224, what if you need help from a stranger?

[@Andy224]

@@Neville60001 well only for emergencies then!

[@hijinks21]

As someone that lived in Manhattan, just don't say anything if a random person tries to get your attention

[@dennisd9554]

This goes for any city. Just ignore everyone that tries to talk to you.

[@who_is_dis]

@@dennisd9554That’s such a sad and isolated life. Best of luck with that 😂

[@damondenis9406]

I'm 52 years in BK, NY. The moment you walk out your door your a target for SCAMMERS! The quality of life absolutely sucks here! I just retired and thank God I will be moving!

[@lorrainea.285]

damondenis9406 Why do you DUMB people do not know the difference between YOU’RE & YOUR??????? 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ I’m tired of seeing this all over!!!

[@mida8261]

Don't move to Vegas. It's literally the same situation out there. So glad I don't live in Vegas anymore.

[@walterwhite1]

@@mida8261don’t move to Hawaii 🌺 it’s fucking gorgeous here

[@professional.commentator]

It's truly depressing. But luckily I Iive in a very residential part of the city so I don't come across them too often where I live.

[@ArnoBach]

Please refrain from using God's name in vain.

[@tdtour]

If a food vendor doesn’t have prices listed, don’t from them.

[@MoeyViews]

Learn to write smh

[@tdtour]

@@MoeyViews opps typo stay on subject

[@michaeljeffery7466]

Mm.

[@fraianapolanco1339]

Yea they usually judge u by looks n stuff they , if u wear like extravagant clothing or look like a tourist they WILL charge you more.

[@AznBetty86]

​@fraianapolanco1339 I don't buy anything without asking the price, and if it's too rich for my blood, i have no qualms with walking out.

[@nicholasrella6904]

Another good tactic is to ask them for money before they get a chance to ask you. As soon as they approach, give them a sob story & ask if they could spare a few bucks to help you out. Works like a charm.

[@MRP3261]

Jon I'm a Brooklynite to the tourists visiting NYC. Never Ever Buy Anything In The Street. Go to a store that is reliable.

[@Neville60001]

I'd only buy the food from food vendors, myself, *_if_* I were to visit NYC.

[@inkwisition]

I was blessed and had a guy sell me iPod Pros for $20 on the street, and they worked, until I lost one.

[@Theinspirationalrogue]

Some lady tried ripping me off at a street food cart, she charged me $5 and I gave her a $20 and she tried giving me back only $5 instead of $15.

[@westbccoast]

I swear the only way people can make money now days is to steal or scam you.

[@failyourwaytothetop]

​@westbccoast Well scamming is as old as the Roman Empire if not older.

[@bambinaforever1402]

I would never buy anything from a street vendor

[@DRventura333]

True. Also, in the stores, if you pay cash MAKE sure you count your change. Some of the cashiers are shortchanging people as most are busy on their phone and not paying attention at the cash register.

[@lupitacadena926]

@@failyourwaytothetop In some countries the theft is a high punishable crime. some people have lost their hands for stealing. And they do not have the same problem we have here.

[@JoshHitti]

My first time in NYC, I saw at least 30 dudes selling fake Apple products in Midtown. I’m heading back again this weekend, so interesting to see the other scams.

[@bskee001]

There are several teenagers who hang outside of 7-11’s wearing basketball jerseys asking people if they can make donations to their basketball team. When I first saw them, I had a feeling they were scamming especially since it wasn’t even basketball season. Then over the next few months I see them everywhere, even outside of fast food restaurants asking people for money so they can “get something to eat.”, and not even going to buy food once someone gives them cash. I thought, this is actually a pretty intelligent scam, but it’s still wrong and these kids are likely just gonna graduate to bigger crimes. Sad…

[@bambinaforever1402]

I would give cash to a kid who is asking to buy smth to eat. I do not care what is he going to do with the money - i do it FOR ME

[@gkava2349]

Just may be enabling a bad habit?

[@helpyourcattodrive]

And these scams are everywhere. I’m in California. All of these happen here, everywhere.

[@bambinaforever1402]

Have travelled through ALL california plus Vegas - never was scammed even once. I even told my husband what da eff do we look like poor or smth?

[@jebronlames7789]

Not in my Red state, they would be takin away real quick. If you vote for it you deserve it so enjoy

[@glennwatson3313]

They are not everywhere. They are not in Alabama.

[@zawadsadaf9194]

@@jebronlames7789 wait why are scammers not a thing in Red state? I just assumed heavy tourism would translate to more scammers.

[@rattlecat5968]

Basically, treat every stranger as a threat to your wallet. Walk confidently. 😎 Be aware of your surroundings. 🧐 Do not make eye contact. 😒 Speak to no one you don't know. 🤨 Keep a *minimal amount of cash* tightly held close to your body (as in a tight or *deep front jeans pocket,* or inside, *zippered jacket pocket* ) for a soda or slice of *REAL* NYC Pizza! Don't *LOOK LIKE* you have money. If accosted, some *loud,* colorful language in a thick accent, may be necessary. 🤬 In summary, *DON'T ACT LIKE A TOURIST!* Keep walking.

[@molee8863]

Sound advice 😊.

[@mochans]

👍🏻

[@mk13902]

This is especially true in Times Square. One of many reasons I will now avoid that area when visiting New York.

[@60SecondSpot]

Don't hide the scammers faces!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@possibilities5417]

I went to NYC with my family when I was a kid and the costume people came and my parents took pictures because they thought it was free (just moved to USA about a year ago). When they asked for money, my dad being the Asian he is, handed one of the guys $5 and told him to split it with the 4 other characters and walked away. That day I learned that people usually stop bothering you as long as you have a heavy accent with slightly broken English

[@user-ox2bj3jj2m]

Lmaoo so did mine😂

[@thatguychris5654]

If they charge $20 for a hotdog, just walk away with it. If they didn't hand it to you yet, just walk away regardless. F them scammers

[@shahjehan]

I usually say I’m local and tell them to F off. They usually apologize and leave me alone.😂

[@minor1822]

lmfao

[@jonathanscott5252]

The other day I was walking through Battery Park, shaking my head at the poor tourists getting scammed. One of the guys says to me “Are you going to the Statue of Liberty? Did you get your tickets yet?” I decided to have some fun and said “No. I didn’t know you needed tickets. I thought it was free.” The guy responds by saying “It’s free to get on the island but you have to buy a ticket on the ferry to get… “ Then he looks me up and down and says “Wait a minute. You live here don’t you?” When I said “maybe” and raised my eyebrow a bit he said “New York is playin’ me” and his buddy looked over and started openly laughing at him. “Lacrosse shorts with that nice Ralph button down - that guy’s uptown all the way. What are you thinking? He gonna scam you and invest you in crypto.”

[@wizardscauldron]

I just say No thank you

[@shahjehan]

@@wizardscauldron That’s not a NYC thing to do.

[@wizardscauldron]

@@shahjehan i am polite

[@julioguzman2944]

Please talk about the peddy cabs or bike taxis. Huge scam! $8.99 per minute! A 12 minutes ride cost us $108 from Times Square! But in general, I think New York City as whole is a scam!

[@EdT.-xt6yv]

TOO many of those and that music sound is nothing but pollution!

[@windowsforvista]

Is it a scam if that's how much they charge?

[@marcmancycling]

Citi bike are the way to go!

[@yp8421]

Isn't that the worst scam in the US when waiters take your credit card and leave instead of putting a payment terminal in front of you to pay? How can you track what they're doing? They may copy, gather, and sell credit/debit card details, is it even legal??

[@HereBeBarr]

Actually a scary thought

[@EdT.-xt6yv]

Then pay in cash? Visit places that require reservation and cell #, also make sure you see managers around who are watching their selling staff? Visit the restaurant web and see reviews?

[@yp8421]

You do not need to reinvent the wheel, my friend. Just let them follow standard procedure, with the terminal in front of you, like the rest of the world does.

[@fer45026torw]

i like reading as i go on with the video, so here's the list. much love Barr, you're amazing. 1- Fake merchandise/Apple merch 2- Donation scam: asking for zelle/venmo, requesting you hand them your phone 3- Parking ticket scam: links to phishing site 4- Overcharging at Bodegas/delis, also street food vendors(remember, no price list, no purchase) 5- Battery Park/SI Ferry Terminal 6- AI Scams: getting called by a mimicked voice 7- Airport taxi scam/Guy holding an Uber sign 8- Times Square Trifecta: Fake Monks, CD guys, Costume characters 9- Dropped food/glass/medicine 10- "I need money" hustle 11- 3 Card Monte and Shell Games

[@homerb3368]

@fer45026torw Whoa, very impressive 😂😅😊

[@MrGruffteddybear]

I don't buy anything unsolicited on the street from some random guy.

[@Drift1]

A hot dog vendor sold me a hot dog for 12$. I even asked what the price was initially but pretended to not hear me and only showed me the price on the card scanner right when he was about to scan it. Be very careful fellows.

[@renewashington791]

😂😂😂😂 WHO in their Right Mind is handing over THEIR Phone 📱 to a Stranger??!?!

[@rogueinvestor2375]

Common sense is not so common these days.

[@MsFallenPrime]

Not even 10 years ago it was totally fine to let a stranger use your phone for a phonecall.

[@rogueinvestor2375]

@@MsFallenPrime The world changes. So should we.

[@SiNKarnage]

This happened recently at my home. I gave them my phone to input their name so I can pay them for mowing my lawn but to their surprise I had a Pin set, so in the end I had full authority on how much money I send them. Luckily they didnt run off with my phone, prolly cause we were infront of my Ring Doorbell but the fact this can happen anywhere infuriates me and Cashapp is doing nothing to mitigate it. Sure they let you set security pin but its not Mandatory and they don't ask you to set one on sign up either... If this happened to my grandma I would ensue chaos.

[@RamonWhite-l4m]

Dem a dyam fool!

[@jerseythedog]

Over two decades ago me and my buddies were approached by a dude who had a bunch of Movado watches with department store labels on them. He offered to sell them at a 50% discount. I told him “no, I have no money.” He asked how much I had, and I told him $35. He took the money and that was the best fake watch ever! It was an excellent deal until the gold faded and I couldn’t stand it.

[@veronikast628]

I went to Battery park the other day and those scammers would make a barrier with their bodies to get in a park and when i tried to get in they said it’s only for reservation so i yelled to let me be and f off. It’s a public park omg. They are very aggressive and i watched them scammed a group of tourist. Hate them

[@wizardscauldron]

Wow. Havent been there for a while. It is a public park paid for by our taxes. Unbelievable

[@AusHowie]

Had the opportunity to say at 1:06 that “I’m a huge fan of cheap eats but not cheap beats” and you missed it. 😢

[@letsrolloutnyc]

Yeah there are so many scammers now a days and it’s so hard to keep up. 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@frankieinnyc657]

As a former NYC Street Vendor I've interacted with many of the "CD Guys". Yes, some of them can get extremely threatening saying "Are you a racist!?!" "You don't like black people?!?", while following the person attempting to intimidate them. Most of the guys have a legit CD. I keep hearing stories that many of the CD's are blank. That story is becoming a scam of its own! No, they may be many things, poorly produced, a genre you most likely won't appreciate or a voice that sounds like two cats fighting, but they are NOT blank. You can easily view a self produced CD and see if anything has been burned onto it. Also, most of the guys carry a CD player so you can listen to the CD prior to making a "Donation." Shout out to Moe Cream "The Cream Of Da Crop LP" from Ski-Mask Records!

[@mass4905]

Sounds like your trying to get people to let their guard down around the cd scam guys, even shouting one out. Yeah your probably a scammer lolol. DO NOT TRUST THE CD GUYS!!

[@professional.commentator]

I'm still mad to this day over the monk scam. One time I was on the Highline and this monk came out of nowhere and forcefully put a bracelet on my wrist without even asking for permission. He then handed me some golden card medallion thing. And then told me to write down $20 in his book. I tried writing $5 instead since I saw other people write $5 too but he made me cross it out and put $20 instead. And then I handed him the $20 bill and that was that. So he basically robbed me. And I was 19 at the time so I was still very young and naive back then. Thankfully I learned my lesson that day, but I feel like I would've had to have been more aggressive considering how aggressive he was.

[@MaskedViolinist07]

The monks are ruthless. I see people falling for this scam all the time. They ambush you. I was getting something out of my purse and a monk grabbed my hand by force, put a bracelet on, and asked me to sign his little book to keep the bracelet for good luck. I refused and he said he’d already prayed for me and removing the bracelet was not possible. The monk insisted I had to donate for the prayers to work and if I took it off he’d curse me with bad luck. I ripped off the bracelet and insisted that I’d take my chances with the Lord. 😅

[@professional.commentator]

@@MaskedViolinist07 Yea the monks cross the line. I feel like they often go after easy targets like skinny dudes and women.

[@glennwatson3313]

That lesson was worth the $20.

[@professional.commentator]

@@glennwatson3313 I'm just glad it wasn't more than $20.

[@NightStars1122]

11:34 about 20 years ago, I almost fall on that trap. I was in Flushing (the 7 train Main Street) station, a guy came to me and said I need a ride, he looked like a nice guy to me, so I said I can swipe my metro card so you can get in (I had the unlimited ride) and he was like no, I need a ride to upstate NY, I am an IT guy, I lost my wallet blah blah blah. I said I only have $5 now, let me go to the bank and get more 12:20 oh yeah I remember that one also, when I was a kid, they were all over NYC in Manhattan, especailly down Canal Street. They worked as a team.

[@tdtour]

Profiling has its benefits. You know the kind of people not to trust. Yup the first ones that come to mind.

[@brandiwestpfahl7539]

I mean there was something noticeable here

[@E42545]

Stay in Alabama bestie, we don’t want you here 😂😂

[@Valmontst]

Truth!

[@purpleey]

Pattern recognition at its finest

[@VeraFX]

The biggest scam is that the authorities know about these scams and nothing really gets done about it.

[@jimmyjames6492]

Just got back from NYC and saw them all! Thanks for the tips + video!

[@funkmachine9094]

who in their right mind would buy apple products on the street from african or south american migrants thinking its the real deal lol

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

Wait... do you want to tell me that the guy who sold the Brooklyn Bridge to me was a scammer?

[@FaceFcuk]

​@AgentGodzillaRP1Their accent kind of gives it away 😂

[@FaceFcuk]

​@AgentGodzillaRP1 I knew America's are D.... but you just confirm 👍 it😂bahahahaha hilarious 😂

[@Scoobawoo]

People are really fucking dumb

[@Olivia-to1yf]

So are you saying if a white dude was selling it on the street it would be legit?

[@AznBetty86]

Just last week in Washington Sq Park, I was trying trying to read my book. A bummy looking elderly guy sat on the next bench over and started sketching me. He was all smiles and friendly, and when he finished he tried to give me the sketch. I politely said no thank you, and that i have a lot of art at home and he said take it anyway. He did the same to a group of women that just sat down. When he gave it to them, and when they accepted and said thank you, he proceeded to tell them that a donation would be much appreciated and they gave him $5. 😕

[@eternity.in.a.m0m3nt]

They werent asian 😂

[@msmarshall854]

That wasn't a scam.

[@cjay2]

@@msmarshall854 It is if you didn't ask to be drawn.

[@LGAussie]

When I see a scammer asking for money for child or whatever, when I get up to them as I’m walking, I quickly ask them for money for a hamburger. They always looked baffled. 😂😂

[@turrboenvy4612]

I had one of those CD guys accuse me (a white guy) of being racist because I didn't want his CD.

[@mollysocks]

I have a story. I was checking out of my hotel and needed a lift to the airport. The concierge gentleman said he had an Uber waiting outside. I was escorted to the car (I was on crutches and he was carrying my bag to the car), I got in and as driven to the airport. It was not Uber. I’m not sure what was going on. The guy asked for a Zelle payment. I don’t have Zelle. I only had PayPal. So he accepted. Luckily, the price was roughly what I was expecting. From now on I will be handling my rides. It’s sad I can’t even trust hotel employees.

[@HereBeBarr]

Had something similar happen to me in Costa Rica once, only guy at hostel said it was his brother.

[@mollysocks]

@@HereBeBarr thanks for sharing that. Scams everywhere. Now I don’t feel so bad.

[@wizardscauldron]

Wow

[@annamelanie5151]

Good one. Thanks for sharing as I would have fell for it too

[@lizbits9339]

This has been going on for 60 years. I grew up in Manhattan. When going to an airport hire a limo or take a yellow cab.

[@jimjamsk]

walking past the 6th train area in canal youll see tons of fake apple watches and other offbrand items.

[@vandavis000]

Scam shit is out of control everywhere in us.

[@N1tr0u5]

You should see how bad tourist scamming is in europe, rome, paris, london, barcelona

[@seprishere]

To be fair, I had to correct a (mostly correct) guide re prices for tours for the Statue of Liberty, to say that it is/was "three dollars more for the crown" (I had already bought the ticket, and it was indeed three dollars more for the crown than the pedestal or just to go to the island).

[@cindee1794]

I live in Orlando and I have encountered the "I need money" scam repeatedly; in the Walmart parking lot, walking around downtown, at gas stations. I have to give credit to one woman, though. She stood outside of Walmart and asked everyone who passed if they could give her $20. She didn't even give a reason, just flat out asked for $20, lol!

[@racheldobbs2028]

😆 at least she was honest. I much prefer those to coming up with some silly story. In fact, I would prefer if they just flat out said why they want the money instead of making up some silly story too. It's more honest that way

[@dv8mr2]

I’m near Orlando too. I gave a homeless guy a cigarette and they asked for more and the next 100 feet, they were like seagulls, every other one asked me for money. The sunrail station downtown Orlando is rough sometimes.

[@bambinaforever1402]

Wow, a set price. Justwow. Normally people would ask for ANY MONEY

[@BlockCylinder]

Props to the con who thought of approaching people as they leave the dentist's office. That person is going to do really well when they switch from crime to finance.

[@user-tv7iu5qq3m]

Nyc feels like a third world country .

[@michaeljeffery7466]

Srsly

[@Olivia-to1yf]

It truly sounds like it!

[@dennisd9554]

And how many tourists are visiting your town from all over the globe? I have been many, many times since I live next door in CT. I wouldn't want to live there myself, but it is truly like no other place in the world. So much stuff to do.

[@coffeetime1001]

@@dennisd9554 I live in CT also. It's a thrilling city with lots of imperfections of course. But I still love it.

[@Valmontst]

It truly does, 😢

[@Xavier7799]

Scammers need to be jailed for five years.

[@Oleo2320]

The most common scam anywhere; over charging, adding an item not ordered and or handing back the wrong change…… and it’s all excusable with “oh I’m sorry I must of made a mistake, I’ll take care of that”. I wonder how often they get away with it. If it works even once a day it’s still free money.

[@Janeair41....]

Reality check: As a born-breed mature NYC woman. In this city you shouldn't trust anyone. And secondly, be aware at all times. Things move rapidly here. Not trying to be cynical but, your awareness should always be on point. 24/7 please be careful and safe out here. 🙏🏾🌹💯

[@blissfullyme2815]

Ahh, the sports team donation. The crumpled paper on the clipboard is what takes me out! 😂

[@micksan7052]

When these kids approach me, it's usually during the day. I ask them .why aren't you in school? It's a school day. Or if they say, school is out. I tell them ..then you should be at practice! 😂

[@blissfullyme2815]

@@micksan7052 I got hit by them during the day too. I just stare at the paper and then them as I am walking and they back off; but agreed.

[@davet1081AA]

People typically wonder how anyone could be so dumb.....until it happens to them. 😢 😅😂🤣

[@HereBeBarr]

haha yep

[@FRANKRIO-jv1sq]

👴🏻🥃 I'M DUM AN IT NEVER HAPPENED 2 ME.

[@bambinaforever1402]

Never happened to me. Travelled through all California plus Vegas nobody tried to scam us, i even asked my husband wdf do we look like poor or smth. Only in Vegas some black dude tried to talk to my husband and kept calling him a senator. That was funny. He actually looks like one indeed. Usually i have 1 and 5 bills either in euro or in dollars ( i live in Europe) to give to homeless people if i see one i fancy. I do not ask their story, i just give. Once in San Feancisco there was a half naked old man sitting on a bench, i came and gave him 5 bucks and he looked at me like who are u and what is that u re giving to me? Is that a turd? After that i give money to people who appear to be lucid at least

[@FRANKRIO-jv1sq]

@@bambinaforever1402 👴🏻🥃 I BOUGHT MY TOUPEE AND ELEVATOR SHOES IN ITALY DEN I ATE PASTA DEN AFTER DAT I VOMITED

[@coffeetime1001]

@@bambinaforever1402 Indeed. I avoid giving to someone who looks like in shitty mood (they may even get offended). I give those who are approachable and truly in need.

[@marksherman73]

Travelled to NY last September from Scotland. At JFK, nearly got caught out with the “Private” taxi scam, but I remembered what people were reporting and walked away! ❤

[@williamcolbert996]

What about those street performers and acrobats? I went to Time Square and they try to get you to stop to watch them to obligate you to pay.

[@eddieg6436]

…….you’re first mistake was going to Times Square!! 😂🤷🏼‍♂️👎🏻

[@williamcolbert996]

@@eddieg6436 (Nodding reluctantly) Yep....

[@mightymashak]

No one forcing you to pay, can just enjoy the show.

[@eddieg6436]

@@mightymashak Perhaps you’re not familiar with performers in Times Square. If you stop to watch them, or take a photo, they are WATCHING YOU to tip them!!! If you only watch the show, then walk away, many times they will YELL AT YOU, and HARASS you to tip them!!! (They don’t let you just watch, take a picture, then walk away……they want to get TIPPED! and they will yell at you if you don’t! ).

[@Redhorse-s2c]

WOW! thank you for updated scams

[@childless-gato-lady]

San Diego Comic Con is next week, and you can't walk around the Gaslamp District, near Petco Park, in Seaport Village, or in any place near the convention center without running into the kids selling candy for their "team", the CD scammer, etc. There also is the people near the convention center wanting to sell you a badge to get into SDCC.

[@Pintexx]

I have a unique scam story to share with you guys. During the pandemic, I was approached by a guy on a beat up moped in the Bronx. He claimed that he’s from Brooklyn and is trying to get home but he just got into an accident so he asked if I could donate some money to help out. I declined obviously but this isn’t even the crazy part. About 5 months later, the same guy shows up on the same beat up moped, same exact block and pitches the same exact lines from 5 months ago. 🤣🤣🤣 I actually confronted him about this and he acted all confused and then ran off. Haven’t seen him ever since.

[@blattman13]

A lot of those are all over Vegas now too

[@kittyanya]

Lady asked if she could call her mom on my phone. I pulled the num pad up and handed it to her. She “oopsed” and went through my apps. She then looked angry when she realized I didn’t have venmo installed and tossed the phone back at me.

[@power4things]

This is an overseas scam too, and when you call them on it, they immediately revert to the list price without a trace of surprise, shame or remorse. "Hey, can't blame me for trying ..."

[@dv8mr2]

You don’t have to sell me on not visiting NYC again, as a former New Yorker.

[@linalove5915]

Amen! Left years ago when it was going Blue!

[@jamesc210]

​@@linalove5915uhh when was NYC ever not blue 😂 100 years ago?

[@brandiwestpfahl7539]

Why isnt the city cleaning this scam stuff up?

[@scotteng1]

Rent in New York City is astronomical.

[@yaowsers77]

Oh I've gotten the text messages about the USPS mail things!

[@nicholasrella6904]

I love how the starving people never accept when people offer to buy them food. I used to do that all the time. I would offer to go into the store with them and pay for anything they ordered. Only one time did a guy let me buy him pizza. I had another guy order a sandwich & a coffee & after I paid for it he told me he didn't want it. He said he really needs money for heroin & if I can't help him he'll get it from someone else.

[@billiegarrett6270]

Thanks John i love your videos and just love visiting new York City! Visted in 2022 and in 2023, can't wait to visit again hopefully soon and your videos have been extremely helpful

[@stenioal]

Not long ago i was at Disney World and they try to charge me $3,5 for a water and 5 for a can of coke .. Disney magic!

[@legendaryangel1991]

Thank you for this video I’m sharing it with family members

[@samsonabraha9536]

You deserve more subscribers Bro, Thank you !!!

[@kennethng8346]

When I get these AI robot calls I usually ask "are you a robot?" the answer is something like "funny you should think that but I am a person", to which I ask "what is one plus one?" or something else an adult should know. The response is usually something like, "I am having difficulty hearing you, I will call back".

[@helpyourcattodrive]

4:52 this is why I wind up at chain stores bc of small time stores seeing me and thinking they can overcharge me. Plus, sometimes their stuff isn’t good, like the fresh food. I don’t trust it.

[@_daggamo]

CD's in 2024 is crazy 😂😂😂

[@dennisd9554]

You can play them on that brand new Apple iCD player the dude is selling on the corner 🤣

[@princessmarlena1359]

I heard of another scam where someone “accidentally” spills their drink or food into the victim, and tries to pickpocket them upon trying to “help clean them up”.

[@breakgangclay]

I remember when a taxi over charged me to get to my house from the airport but luck was more on my side...he had a wad of hundreds and twenty's by the floor on his passenger side...I picked them up while getting out..and it was basically like he paid me to be a passenger

[@houayang7947]

Who the hell hands their phone over? Numb nuts.

[@ellennewth6305]

I live in Los Angeles and got the toll scam text. It might have worked, except I don’t drive and don’t have a car!

[@djcrazybeast5277]

4:23 bro inner New York came out😂🔥 it be like that here

[@adamwilliams8099]

I got a text for an unpaid parking ticket and I do not even own a car.

[@TheTttooom]

electronic cars ? lmao. With all the shoplifting and selling stolen goods on the streets going on right now in America, I found the first one pretty interesting that people are capitalizing on this hoping that people think they are getting a steal. Good vid !

[@peggyfillmore1971]

Ohh the licensed characters ..yeah I had Batman and Wonder woman ask if we wanted pictures ...I told them ,I m married to a real hero he was in Desert Storm. Why would I need one from you 🤣

[@middleagebrotips3454]

I actually gave a costume batman 10 bucks to take a pic and he was the most profusely thanking guy ever

[@Hellcat71782]

If you give anyone your phone you deserve to learn a costly mistake

[@henewcom50]

The best thing to do about the AI phone scam is if you get a phone call from a number you don't know is don't answer. They also have a built in spam protector built in your phone and I suggest you enable it to block spam calls.

[@chrisnolan7423]

I work in construction and was building a building across from Lincoln center in the early 2000's. While working late unloading a tractor trailer of pavers I ran across the street to the hot dog cart for a quick bit. I ordered a hot dog with mustard the guy put the dog on the bun & while holding it out said 3$. I said seriously, I am not a tourist but he was serious ,so I walked away and told a couple of the guys I worked with. People ordered and refused made hot dogs for days until a Freind,Kenny ordered 8 hot dogs with ketchup & relish. The guy had finally caught on and changed Kenny 8$,with no good reason to refuse Kenny wound up handing out hot dogs to homeless people for his lunch break.

[@chion918]

those hop on/off bus agents on the streets are extremely motivated to do whatever to get to your face, even when you are minding your own business and didnt' start the conversation with them. if you don't show interest, they are trained to disrespect you and tell you whatever craps that comes of their mind. and they work in groups, while their "managers" observes them from afar to make sure they are not goofing off.

[@bobd9506]

NYC has become the smelly armpit of America.

[@BenchCarreon]

I'm going to NYC this New Year and as someone who naturally look lost all the time and seemingly gullible, I'm scared. If only I can wear a name tag that says 'Leave me tf alone' without looking weird, I would. Thanks for the tips.

[@steventechguy2264]

Never whip out your wallet or cellphone in front of someone asking for money, instead carry an old sock with quarters. That way you'll look poor as hell and potential scammers will most likely refuse money from a sock in addition you'll have an legal improvised deterrent.

[@jerseytiger1980]

I was 3/4 through this video and thought to myself “WOW, NYC has come a long way from the three card monte days!” Then I saw the end 😂

[@SiNKarnage]

1:44 Holy shit this almost happened to me. These two dudes offering Lawn Mowing services, they wanted me to cash app them the money, I gave them my phone to input their name and they almost got me but I had a Security Pin for sending money so they only got chump change outta me. I will never put myself in a situation with no measures. Im proud of myself for being viligilant.

[@Nekminute]

Worst scam is being lured in that $hithole to begin with

[@caesar349]

@AgentGodzillaRP1the city is a cesspool. Blue voters destroyed the city.

[@tedy2777]

there was a gas station in Long Island 2 Old Country Rd, Westbury, NY 11590 that listed the gas price as 4 per gallon for medium grade but charged me the super price of 4.50. I only caught it because I was planning to only fill up with 2 gallons to get home since there's a cheaper gas station near my house. I confronted the clerk and he played dumb. I did get the difference but only when I threatened to report them.

[@failyourwaytothetop]

LoL I offered one of those gutter rats 10 bucks for the headset and he told me to get lost. HAHAHA

[@walterraleigh5915]

RE: the guy who dropped the fries, if he asked me for money I'd tell him "I did you a favor, fried food is unhealthy, get an apple next time."

[@molee8863]

😂😂😂😂

[@yaowsers77]

Last winter, i had some extra days off so i popped into the city to take pics for tourists around some of the popular spots. I know it's hard to get a good pic with yourself in it. But i can't believe how many people handed me their wallet phone. Credit cards and cash visible. Now, I'm a safe and reliable person you can trust but i was a bit surprised by how readily people handed over their phones! I keep an old phone for pics when i go out. It's completely wiped clean and only used for pics. No data. No info. Please be careful out there but if you see me, you're safe with me 😊

[@molee8863]

Good suggestions on using an old wiped phone for pics only 😊.

[@lisalewis6631]

Absolutely on the money @HereBeBarr - such a great scam update. Last year I was followed for ages by a guy very convinced I should buy his cd (I didn't)! In May we wanted to take the Staten Island Ferry & those sellers in Battery Park are many and intense, we basically ended up just walking to the terminal yelling NO at them over & over. Had no problem last year for a night trip, so that's a good time to go!

[@wizardscauldron]

I never get approached by these scammers. Maybe because I have my tough nyer face on.

[@lisalewis6631]

@@wizardscauldron think there is a lot of factors at play, think as my son is with me they think they've got you off guard, after all if you've just yelled no at the seventh ticket seller in the ferry area before they've got a word out with a look that could kill, you might hope number 8, in earshot, wouldn't bother, but they still did!

[@wizardscauldron]

@@lisalewis6631 wow…i totally ignore them or sometimes I glare at them and say do I look like a tourist, I AM NOT

[@GothamEddy]

You missed a chance to say “I’m a huge fan of cheap eats but in New York you don’t want cheap beats”

[@HereBeBarr]

You should write my scripts!

[@MondoBeno]

A man walks by, his bag hits your leg and breaks on the sidewalk, and he demands you pay.

[@microeconomia]

The fake monks, CD guys, costume characters are also a big thing in Vegas (also the show babys that want a substantial tip for taking a picture with them)

[@MondoBeno]

We were at a small restaurant in the east 50's, and our bill should've been $75, instead we got a $159 bill. Why? There was a $5 a head surcharge for sitting on the patio, $1 for each glass of water, $10 surcharge for sharing a plate (even though it was huge and expensive) and a 15% gratuity compounded on the surcharges! I told her to take it back, and bring the correct bill, without the surcharges. They refused, I told them to go ahead and call the police, I wasn't paying it. Some nasty looking guys came out and tried to scare us into paying, I said no. Finally they brought the real bill. We would've left 18%, but hey, it was a mandatory 15%, so who am I to break the rules?