I pretended to be an NYC tourist and this is what happened

[@KundaSandy2010]

I grew up in a place which has a lot of Buddhist temples. Never seen a Buddhist monk saying Namaste!

[@xyoungdipsetx]

Lol

[@herotcg4028]

😂

[@andrewma3491]

Lol!

[@leoguy1979]

That's exactly what I was thinking hahaha

[@AkshayMulik]

Exactly!

[@keithfaust8925]

I’ve always avoided these people, but wondered what it was like to interact with them. Thanks for taking one for the team, Sarah!

[@RicardoMartinez-jy5lo]

11:25, so "Spider Man" shows his true face, "Ten or nothing."

[@tommak6516]

I completely agree with you. Why would any sane person want to be within 100 ft of those weirdos much less talk to them and give them money.

[@fiof]

I always walk to the other side of the street, but in retrospect, yes I guess I was curious to hear them.

[@jeffjohnson5053]

This is what happens when you democrats allows too man foreigners to come to the USA. They all become scam artists and crinimals and bothering normal folks! There are BILLIONS of getto, peasants around the world. They are all trying to come to the USA. And you Evil democrats allow them in!! You got what you paid for! And you the tax payers will pay for it dearly!!

[@Hotpotatogal]

When I visited NY, I was high (smoked weed that morning) and it was hot ASH. In a daze while walking into McDs there was a monk that came up to me, grabbed my hand and placed bracelets on me. I was so confused and he was asking for money and I gave him $2. Literally my friends were confused as well but I was like “Wtf…” and whatever and we kept it pushing. Literally when we came back home is when I asked them “Wtf just happened”💀

[@airplanesbreaksthelegs1508]

General rule is just ignore anyone handing you anything or asking you to buy anything in Times Square or Midtown.

[@GodsonNy]

Especially them deaf people that be on a trains Don't hand me nothing

[@njwebwiz]

It helps to walk with your hands in your pockets to avoid the aggressive ones who try to shove something into your hand.

[@GodsonNy]

But to be honest with you they target the white people they know black people aren't as gullible I'm not racist but it is what it is I'm from New York and I'm around a lot of them people that do a lot of them scams

[@sukmidri]

@@GodsonNy they target white people because they actually have money. Nothing to do with a gullibility lmao

[@GodsonNy]

@@sukmidri You're right about that having money and they are actually gullible too

[@ArcaneErudition]

I love how most tourist scams can be ended by walking away. No matter how urgent their supposed need, after enough distance they'll need to get back to the concentration of people.

[@gerardjayetileke4373]

Reminds me of video game NPC's. lol 🤣

[@CreamerMusic]

@@gerardjayetileke4373😂😂

[@ryanjofre]

Exactly. Just walk away from these fuks. If they put their hands on you, pepper spray their ass. I give beggars money sometime but can’t stand people that overcharge and pressure/scam tourists.

[@felixcat4346]

Try asking the CD guys if you look like a tourist and they play the race card right away.

[@makayg]

I get second-hand anxiety just watching these interactions, I don't know what I'd do if I experienced this in person. Thank you for taking one for the team and educating us about these scams!

[@dogbog99]

Don’t talk to them and carry on walking basically

[@AW-vi3df]

There was no Scam here. This girl posed as a tourist and (potentially illegally) recorded someone without their knowledge or consent and then purchased something from them and got a product in return. Then she went on social media, claiming she got scammed all to get clicks and demonize poor people in New York. What he did is hustle culture and it’s totally legal. What she did borders criminality.

[@dogbog99]

@@AW-vi3df I guess you work on the Las Vegas streets

[@makayg]

@@AW-vi3df lol ok

[@makayg]

@@dogbog99 forreal

[@Whysoserious___]

Those Disney characters at time square are not only a scam but also not nice people. I hear them talking trash about everyone all the time in Spanish. I wouldn’t give them a dime.

[@elazer7116]

I think he wanted to join in on the pictures to get paid too lol. The woman even says to go somewhere else cuz she wasn't taking any more pictures

[@Notfromthebalkans]

I'll be honest, I only listen "Maruchan" and "mami una foto" xd

[@samnesssepiol1230]

@@Notfromthebalkans como estas bbta? Sos re linda pasa ig

[@Notfromthebalkans]

@@samnesssepiol1230 quiero aclarar que soy vato

[@samnesssepiol1230]

@@Notfromthebalkans no importa, sos re anime me encantas

[@ikoxun]

he said “no cash? go to the atm?” hahaha

[@hardtrailrider]

same reply from my son when I say I dont have money to buy toys or icecreams..:-)

[@je9833]

I was waiting for him to break into his NY American accent 😂

[@young_scisloving9789]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@ezequielgervasio]

What does ATM means? Is some kind of machine ?

[@ezequielgervasio]

@@je9833 Thanks! i appreciate it

[@jenns8696]

The lady monk grabbed me and my son by the arm and aggressively tried to get us to take a bracelet. Then the cd guy tried to give me the cd and said it’s not drugs when I said no thank you. Then he said something rude that I won’t post on here. The city needs to do something about these people because it’s not ok to be harassed or grabbed.

[@PainNPanic]

If its a CD hustler I'm guessing they called you a racist because you didn't buy their garbage. Edit: forgot a word

[@LaurieSomma]

The CD people are very rude. I told my friend nkt to take the CD and the guy cursed me out to my friend.

[@desertdweller8374]

Yes, the CD guys harassed us and called us names when we wouldn't buy their cd - we didn't even stop, we just kept walking and they called us vulgar names. Nice guys!

[@justinbruen2186]

lol u think the city can do this lmfao do u have any idea the amount of crime going on in the city or the amount of debt nyc is in? where the hell are u going to pay someone to go around and capture all these people? lmfao

[@julianhermanubis6800]

@@justinbruen2186 I have no wish to go to these shitty tourist areas of NYC, so I don't need to worry about it.

[@matthewbiondic4465]

Naked Cow Girl is Sandy Kane. She's legit just an old soul. Not really a scammer. She's a good egg. She was on Opie & Anthony a lot. Glad to see she's still alive and well!

[@tapisarsingh7805]

bro she was a stripper...

[@art_rant7144]

@@tapisarsingh7805 fr like come on bro no way she a "good egg" just cuz she an actor

[@Anglo-EgyptianMan]

An Opie and Anthony fan? Nice lol

[@hellobello3153]

“Betty Boop’s grandmother” -Patrice O’neal

[@bobblueford]

I think it was Ron & Fez that made their movie reviewer, Paul O. kiss twato - the growth on her vagina.

[@jchris1238]

As a fellow New Yorker, there are no words to describe how hard I laughed through this entire video because it truly could not be more true 😂😂🤌🏼

[@SwissTanuki]

When I was in NY I was standing outside waiting for my friends. A man came up to me and started to tell me very funny jokes. He was like my personal stand up comedian. Gave him 10$. Didn't felt scammed because I was truly entertained.

[@davmets86]

Was it Henny Youngman?

[@raulh5457]

U got scammed lol

[@juniorayala185]

@@raulh5457 how is that one a scammed?

[@saltknife7174]

@@raulh5457 if he felt it was worth his 10 he didnt get scammed

[@tashmoobabe8704]

My mom visited me when I lived in New York and bought a hat from a guy who approached us with a charming and flattering pitch. It was her choice, and her friend back home really liked the hat.

[@yankinwaoz]

Re: The characters. Yes it is a scam because you didn't ask them to be in your photos. They photobombed your selfie, then demanded money.

[@MsBatbird]

I'd tell them to pay me $20 for f**king up my picture!

[@Havy9287]

What if you delete the picture right in front of them?

[@boradagdelen3846]

@@Havy9287 What if you don't delete it and walk away, they can't do anything

[@Havy9287]

@@boradagdelen3846 true

[@rayfraser7079]

​@@MsBatbird just deport them

[@deeh6200]

You should have told Spider-Man. “If you climb that wall over there, I’ll give you 20.”

[@jajackboss]

Spiderman did a flip for free in the Spiderman Homecoming movie Facts

[@Silvia-rf4yd]

😂👍

[@vietchuphotography2638]

The Bhuddist Monks are no different than Spider Man, Mini Mouse, Iron Man, etc...they're just people in costumes. Remember, it's okay and your right to say No. Great video Sarah!

[@traveler8010]

Dude he literally lied and using religion for money, that is very bad.

[@user-vl3oj3vl6y]

​@@traveler8010right and they're not even doing it right😭

[@anjaliraichand4951]

I got scammed by those idiots in character costumes who demanded "tips" for a photo when they were actually extorting us. BEWARE of these freaks and stay away from them if you are in Times Square or any other tourist hotspot. These scammers will grab any cash you have in hand (after the pic). Thanks to people like Sarah for spreading awareness about these deceitful people.

[@saubriz]

These scammers wouldn’t exist if there weren’t so many people lacking common sense. Scammers exist everywhere, common sense is their worst enemy.

[@DanaDane559]

Good point. I've witnessed all these scams except the monks in Las Vegas.

[@djmeredith6520]

You got to walk fast like a New Yorker and ignore all people trying to approach you, while maintaining a grumpy look on your face.

[@jennyb6600]

Amen..so many stupid folks that believe these scammers.

[@styldsteel1]

You don't make sense. Common sense is their best friend

[@jonferngut]

why do people need to be sharp and on edge all the time? Do we expect that from a 70-yo person, or someone with disabilities, too?

[@88brandonlee88]

I live here in NY and I feel sorry for those being scammed. I especially H. A. T. E. HATE those characters in Times Square who take advantage of the tourists who just want to visit NY and have a good time. I mean, come on... does a picture with a fake character who doesn't even look remotely close to the original worth $5-20? I definitely don't think so!

[@lenchenes]

🤣

[@kickballfever]

I remember when that little kid was shot recently in Times Sq. There was a follow up story saying that the kid got to meet Minnie Mouse. At first I was happy because I thought the kid got a trip to Disney World...nope...she just got a picture with the bootleg 42nd St. Minnie Mouse. Not even close to the real thing.

[@jonathanmesa11]

It is funny tho I would do it for the memes but the beautiful thing is u can say no and walk away from anyone who u don’t wanna talk to

[@CommandoMaster]

Asian = Monks. CD guys = black. Hispanic = Costumes. White = Cowboy. It's like a scam for every race!

[@shayboubbinshaddad7181]

It must be clear that the pictures for money🥲!! I know they need money to live😭 This exists in every society🧾

[@majorityminority9549]

I lived in NYC for 15 years and drove a yellow cab. I'd see the entire city in a single night. This was the 70's, before Times Square got Disneyfied, and it was a wilder place. There was one fellow I remember, who worked the area, he offered to compose and recite a poem for you. The charge was $1. MORAL OF THE STORY: They may be few, but there are sincere and earnest folks out there who enrich us all!

[@D_Cali_Life]

Vegas even worse. Organized crime controls the street performer show girls like pimps\hookers. Maybe are illegal without a spot permit. And Las Vegas law says no certain amount can be charged. Only a donation. But most girls charge from $20-$25 dollars for a photo. And if you don’t pay up. Their friend will steal your phone and run off with it.

[@serene889]

that was seedy Times Square then .. Had some fun times there

[@unprofound]

There was a $1 poetry compose and recite guy in the Broadway/Columbus area of San Francisco in 80's. Called himself "The Buffalo." Every time I saw him, I'd gladly sit down, give a a dollar or two, and listen to him. Wasn't a scam as I truly enjoyed the man and he added genuine color and personality to the area.

[@imdva]

$1 in 1970 is $8 now. these anecdotes are cute and all but yall need to account for inflation. $1 then and now are not the same thing. theres a reason people barley use coins these days.

[@JM-zz9jr]

I did this several years ago at Venice Beach in California. I pretended to be a tourist and it is true when they think you are a tourist you hear all kinds of crap and the prices go way up. I went into one of the stores they were selling native american cd's for like $30. which is absurd, when i proved i was a native low and behold the price went down...i was told since i lived here they were going to do me a favor.....😅...i didn't buy it, i told them i was going to do them a favor and not waste my time with scammers. Also in the same store they were selling rare and one of a kind Native American jewelry that was made on reservations and the proceeds will go back to the reservations....lol....i informed the clerk that i can go to the mart in downtown L.A and find that same rare and one of a kind jewelry and by it in bulk

[@bwaylover1000]

I was in Times Square recently with some friends, and I've been to Times Square enough times to know you that those costume characters are terrible and pushy. The one friend with me is from the south so isn't in NYC much, so as we walked by one of the characters she started to take a picture, and in my head I went "oh no, they're going to approach us" and the Spiderman came up to us and was like, "here I'll take your picture." Then after taking the photo asked us for money, specifically 20 bucks. He even showed us a 20 dollar bill that he had saying "this this." I don't think I ended up taking any money out of my pocket, and if I did I only gave them one dollar because that's literally all I had.

[@LR-sg5nc]

Sarah: I don't have a CD player though Guy selling CDs: Nobody does

[@kaianimations675]

The man "[In head]"NANI I AM DEAD NUZI I NEED TO THINK WHAT TO SAY"": Nobody does

[@francispower1418]

It’s New York and it’s 2021. What that guy needed to do was not print CDs nobody can play but instead a thousand vinyl 45s to get in ‘the crates’ and hopefully onto the right play lists (assuming his music is any good)… And then go find the right record shops in Brooklyn, rather than anywhere near Time Square!

[@david-lt9wj]

I've got a CD player in my car and on my laptop.....everybodys got one, come on guys lets come clean about this..

[@wc6519]

Guy selling CDs, Nobody does? You are not from NYC are you?

[@ukadventures5660]

Even fewer people have vinyl compared to CD 😂

[@funnygal4u2]

Here’s a tip how not to get scammed in NYC... Just keep walking and don’t make eye contact with anyone. If you stop to look at something or take a picture, be aware of who is around you. If some one tries to touch u just keep walking. Don’t be so nice if they start busting your chops. Most important if all, DON’T LOOK LIKE A TOURIST.

[@xavierpoes4985]

Pathetic and sad, but true. Never stop to talk to any of those, accept that some of them will call you names when you ignore them. Better not to get into trouble, you've got more to lose than them.

[@Cloudsanin]

I learned having a pissed off look on your face scares most of these scammers away. Better to intimidate them.

[@meself349]

Yeah. Don't look up and gawk at all the tall buildings. Real New Yorkers never look up. Fact.

[@JamieTransNyc]

Here is a better tip. Learn to simply just say "NO". Don't say "oh, I dont know... maybe blah blah". Do not feel like you have to *apologize* for saying "no". Just do it! After the first few times, you will get used to it, and it will be natural. How to say "no" is a good skill to learn.

[@funnygal4u2]

@@JamieTransNyc not in NYC…. Just ignore, no eye contact, and keep walking

[@susunslatky]

Plus, if the monks were genuine, they would not be saying “namaste.”

[@robotduck77]

yup, they would say amitabha instead

[@organizedchaos4559]

Lmao, yeah I was confused by that. Guess most people don’t know that.

[@tonoxavier9718]

@@robotduck77 hahaha,E MI TUO FO.

[@HellusRaizen]

@Ann Hanover indian monks😂but they look like chinese or vietnamese saying Namaste.

[@ShayaraMusic]

@@HellusRaizen Nope, they aren't Hindu monks. They are trying to represent China/Tibet. Indian monks don't talk/dress like that. Plus, Hindus say Namaste, Buddhists don't

[@griffintgm9467]

I never let people hustle me, one guy was pissing me off so I just took his signed CD and just kept walking until he left lmao, it was funny but probably don’t do that, you never know if they are violent.

[@L0ve1tRetr0]

The Naked Cowboy seems more like a street performer than a scam. How could that even be a scam? "Naked Cowboy revealed to be wearing invisible clothes all along." 🤷🤣

[@avnetworkguyclips]

The “monks” are usually smoking across from the pharmacy on 43rd and Broadway lol

[@tonythepokemonguy751]

This comment *thumbs up*

[@valenjessy87]

facts

[@AbsFabbs]

They have the “monks” on the Santa Monica pier as well.

[@dnoloc]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@richiem2762]

Yes I do Uber in nyc and they do😂😂😂😂😂

[@MWall]

Hi Sarah, You demonstrated the scams very well. However, the costume character scam didn't exactly work with you, the way it normally works. Their targeted customer is parents with little kids. Boogie Bob shows it all the time on his channel. What they normally do is one of the characters comes up to take a picture with the parents/kids. Then all of a sudden 3 or 4 more of them run over and get in the picture. After the picture, each of the characters expects to get paid individually.

[@user-wq9mw2xz3j]

just don't pay.

[@victoriamaikrish2019]

I would tell them that I'm not paying any of them a dime since I never asked them to impose in getting in my picture and just walk away.

[@MWall]

@@victoriamaikrish2019 IKR

[@Goldenretriever-k8m]

ahhhh so thats what they do. i think its okay to tip them all but only if you ask for them, not if they just bombard you

[@xAngelxHazex]

@@user-wq9mw2xz3j I’ve just not paid, they didn’t state anything about payment before and I was 17 and broke on a school trip. They started cussing me and my friend out and we literally said “we are children leave us alone”

[@CommandoMaster]

The crazy thing is these scammers make more money than most honest working class people. And they don't pay taxes since it's cash.

[@casshernsins8333]

The irs should be going after them and not me

[@captorraptor8577]

If one of these scammers tries to tell me I owe them money, I'd simply laugh in their face and walk away.

[@Scoomzzz]

I'm a Midwestern woman living in Kentucky, and my husband is southern born and raised (Alabama). We are taking a 4 day vacation to NYC just because everyone should go once even though we usually go away from people and not towards them for our vacations lol. So, I wanted to be prepared as much as possible for thieves, scams, and crimes. Thanks!

[@crBudgetWatches]

Went with my entire extended family, group of 7 to NYC in October . Walked all the tourists spots including multiple times at Time Square. We had an awesome time and no one bothered us the entire trip. Maybe we were lucky.

[@bobbysayasane3413]

First time I went to Times Square (at night) I was like 12-13 year's old. Had no idea where I was but first guy who popped up in front of me was telling me he was a rapper and handing out cds. When I asked him, "for free?" He was like "What? No" end of story.

[@rpruneau68]

@@NicholasPeters1 Let em make a scene; that's on them not on you. If you choose to reward horrible behavior I certainly don't want to see what type of children you may have raised.

[@chernandez3865]

Lol the Minnie Mouse told the other character something to the effect of “Don’t bother, she doesn’t have any money or she’s not a good tipper” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@anto3082]

Well,I don't think

[@gatobors7202]

@@anto3082 sí lo dijo xdd I guess because there was a mickey

[@anto3082]

@@gatobors7202 dijo "corre pa' lla porque ya no doy foto", por eso digo que no se parece mucho a lo que dijo el amigo @C Hernandez

[@LordADNsVlog]

Not exactly but kind of...

[@michelleperry7774]

My girl really out there taking one for the team, mad props!

[@geoffreyk9164]

This is hilarious. I think every person who has ever lived in NYC has wondered what it’s like to interact with these people because no New Yorker would actually do it, but we’ve all seen them driving by Times Square. These are the more innocent scams though. I had two friends (one from Italy and one from Canada) visiting a few years ago and I found out the Saturday morning after we went to a club that they tried to go to a strip club after I went home. Apparently, a guy posing as a doorman took their money (like $50 each) and gave them some flyer that said it’s what they needed to get into the club. Needless to say, the club was closed and the guy disappeared by the time they realized what had happened.

[@HorseyWorsey]

Horny moment.

[@Nakeethus_Hunter]

I was a victim of the CD ones. Soon as I opened my wallet to "donate" to them, a group of them surrounded and all thrust their hands in robbing me of $200. Ruined my holiday and is one of many reasons why I would never visit NYC again

[@serene889]

way to gullible to pay 200

[@Nakeethus_Hunter]

@@serene889 I wasn't giving them 200. I was only gonna give them 10 and they stole 200 out of my wallet

[@raidenshogun6013]

​@@Nakeethus_Hunterdid you ever get the police involved?

[@luigisenpai]

That's theft homie and if you didn't call the cops that's on you

[@pnp3894]

Wow! That's why the other guy was showering over.

[@lauralong9654]

People like this literally ruin my day when they approach me. Had a “monk” do this to me in Santa Monica

[@realgeneshawn]

Same in Los Angeles even worse they step in front of you I usually carry a cup and ask for spare change now 😂 and since I know Spanish and Turkish as well i use both languages

[@AlxndrHQ]

@@realgeneshawn the cup w/ spare change idea is GENIUS!

[@xan8123]

Same i was at santa monica with my mom and the “monk” jumped in front of us out of nowhere forced the bracelet on her hand and begged us for $20 she tried handing it back and he got mad lol

[@Kingsombra21]

I remember running off with the bracelet once and one of them not even attempting to run after me 💀

[@fazediscovery5]

In 2018, I was outside the Forum in Ceasar in Las Vegas, heading to the Mirage to see the Beatles Cirque du Soleil show. When a fake monk tried to hand me the bracelet, and I know about the fake monk scam, at first, I said nicest I didn't want it, but he kept trying to hand it to me, so I finally said I dont want it with an angry tone and he finally back off. I feel like like if your are a larger man and these fuckers keep trying you pressure you, then your best bet is to try to start getting aggressive with them or threaten to get law enforcement involved, and they will most likely back off

[@foreignparticle1320]

My first time in Times Square, I got accosted by the CD guys. They offered me a CD, asked for my name, wrote it on the CD and then got angry when I refused to "donate". Thereafter, I refused to engage with anyone on the street in Manhattan until I felt confident and had my bearings in NYC. This was a great video!

[@kareta24]

Yup, I feel you. I learned my lesson at 10 y/o. A person handed out flyers on the train and I received it, looked at it, and crumbled it like I always saw my older brother do. Suddenly there was an angry person in front of my face. I was 10 and confused because the person was clearly angry and making sounds. My brother gave her money and she walked away. Turns out the paper had sign language on it and you could keep it in exchange of a donation. So then it all either made sense, or was explained, but the person was mute and I had fucked up big time by not saying 'no thank you' and rejecting them, and definitely by crushing their paper! Since them I don't accept anything, if it's placed on my lap, I don't touch it and just wait for people to come back around for things.

[@Alamomax]

You missed the guys who scream and yell for 40 minutes then do a front flip, i always watch for pickpockets when they are "Performing"

[@estelaangeles2346]

But they still perform

[@Alamomax]

They do and I’m sure it’s a story to take back home.

[@colinpperkins]

@@estelaangeles2346 They perform while their people pick your pocket.

[@ci310]

For real?? Damn.

[@Sam-Retina]

Thanks for taking it for all of us so we can learn

[@gorilla9793]

I find when I'm in front of somebody that comes off as friendly it's hard for me to tell them no sometimes because I don't want to see them disappointed but I have gotten scammed this way. These people really play on that emotion that we don't want to be rude but have to sometimes.

[@ramonl6637]

It's very sad that we allow that to continue. I think that the authorities should intervene.

[@ArtIsDrawing]

Please get their business card and report it!!

[@MechanicsStudents]

LMFAO, yall gotta be some tourists

[@simonwood5587]

Years back walking through Central Park with my at the time 6 year old son. Monk gave me a trinket. I thanked him and walked away. The monk ranting and yelling…. I got a free trinket. The monk got a taste of his own medicine lol.

[@DanaDane559]

I made my 1st NYC tour in 2021 & go to Las Vegas every year. Rules are the same- Nothing is free; vendors & costume characters are all trying to sell you something. Anything for sale on the street is either cheap, junk or a scam.

[@YAMIYOURGOD]

THIS RIGHT HERE I spent many a years in big cities and this is the Golden rule. They should put this in the airport right at the exit doors

[@daveginter9030]

I love in Upstate NY. I been to the city several times and I don't care to go back. I can't believe after 9/11 and what has happened in Atlanta and other citties they let these costume charectors to continue. It is so easy to hide something inside them. If they have to be there make them heavly regulated.

[@traveler8010]

I'm disgusted by people using religion for lying and scamming.

[@arfriedman4577]

In from NYC. Some of these scam are new to me. I stay away from these people no matter where I travel. The naked cowboy was always a business, not a scam. Thanks for exposing them.

[@melaniegriesemer]

Those monks were the worst of them all. I remember when I was new to NYC I encountered them one time on the highline I tried having a convo and asked more questions about the “temple” they said they were building and the guy refused to answer my questions and was like “a dollar, a dollar, a dollar”

[@AlumniQuad]

I liked the secret camera shots. It was like watching an episode of _60 Minutes_ from the 1970s.

[@markclinton8681]

Hey

[@professional.commentator]

Omg same thing happened to me! And it happened to me on the highline as well!

[@emcee2555]

“It’s about the money, but it’s NOT” 😂

[@abbigaildavisson2214]

If I go to NYC and get approached by those monks I’m gonna “accidentally spill” my coffee all over their book

[@NeroTrigger]

the monk guy got me

[@DiscoverHudsonValley]

This video is an instant classic Sarah!!! The I ❤️ NYC shirt obviously screams tourist instantly with the scammers, so freaking funny and cheers to you for mustering up the courage to shoot this video! I just walked through TS the other day while doing a shoot and the scammers were approaching me as well, even though I didn’t look like a tourist… I think, haha! Job well done on this one, love it!!

[@harrycrowe7557]

If you visit NYC, always walk quickly and purposefully with your head down. Don't do a lot of looking around and DON'T look up at the buildings. Don't stop for anybody! If someone near you is walking the same speed as you, that's a red flag. If someone approaches you, say "get the f**k away from me" like a real New Yorker! I live about 30 miles north of NYC and I've worked in the city for years. And the predators STILL pick me out. They are everywhere.

[@KeithAvila]

I would do the exact opposite of everything you said just because I love life. It’s ok if someone asks me for $10 for a photo. If I don’t want to then I won’t. It’s pretty simple for me but if I don’t want to, I’m still happy and I don’t reject people with hatred or anger. Life is actually really simple and fun if you just slowed down a little to take it all in.

[@shaund9759]

As a native NYer yes that’s usually how we walk but that’s def not how you have to walk. Look, enjoy, walk slow, enjoy the beautiful city and all it has to offer… just be smart and strong enough to walk away and just say “no” when anyone trying to sell you anything approaches.

[@Red-fs1jw]

Its different for girls

[@adambishop5739]

I'm from the UK, been to N.Y. many times and absolutely love the town. I had the cd guy hustle me for $10 (it was down on Broadway somewhere between Houston and Canal st I think) but I offered him $2 as a gesture of goodwill and he turned me down saying "keep the cd man!" Personally, I think he did that because I was strong and stood up for myself, saying that I can't give him $10 for a cd that I haven't even heard yet. I don't advise visitors to NY to look at the ground and not look up at the tall buildings, thats why you're there, to enjoy what NY has to offer...and you should do just that. Wherever you go, like big cities, you're going to get approached by scammers, but that should not deter you from having a good time and doing the things that touristes do. Just don't be an easy target. If you are approached and you realise you are being "marked" for a scam, go walk into a store, or just plainly say "NO THANK YOU!" These scammers are not looking for a hard time, they are looking for an easy buck and if you don't make it easy for them, they'll find someone within a minute who will. God bless man.

[@planetazalea9641]

So basically wear some dark sunglasses?lol

[@marisa768]

If I wanted a picture with "Minnie Mouse".....I'd go to Disney World. I've experienced those character people in Times Square and I didn't say a word to them when they harassed me after jumping into MY photo/demanding a tip, just kept walking lol

[@dustyrose192]

I kinda wanna go and dress up and photobomb but tell the person taking the photos to not pay... Id probably be beaten up

[@aniwaow]

the minnie from the character scam told the mickey to "run off she doesn't want to pay the photos" 😹 just thought it was funny lmao

[@mariosphere]

Luckily in my city (Bern, Capital of Switzerland) there's almost zero tourist scam. Sometimes we do also have CD guys but they come from abroad pretend to be in an upcoming band and try to scam locals. The worst thing which can happen when you pretend to be a tourist is that people start to talk to you in english ;)

[@nedisahonkey]

Haha only because you guys have international banking, the IMF and scams on a whole different level. I recognize that's not your fault and Switzerland is a beautiful country that the US could learn a lot from.

[@Cherry-Munchkin]

Thanks for the awesome video. Had an encounter with CD scam in LasVegas, who just handed me CD while walking past. Knowing from your past videos, I immediately dropped the CD next to a trash bin, because holding onto it will lead to having to pay for it. He said really rude stuff to me and my SO, but we just walked forward ignoring him. Gosh I hate them and was angry, but sometimes it's just not worth it. Can't let them low life scammers ruin my vacation.

[@xavierpoes4985]

It's never worth it. They don't deserve anyone's time, they certainly don't deserve a confrontation where they got nothing to lose, and you everything.

[@scoutkbartholomew722]

You should do this internationally! I like watching scam videos but seeing them in action is next level content.

[@The_Alexandra_B]

Have you heard of the series Scam City? I think it was on Amazon Prime. Pretty good show.

[@awkwardcrowwithapartyhat]

Literally just got back from my NYC and I can confirm Naked Cowboy is a cool guy, definitely take a pic with him if you spot him around. Monks and CD guys are annoying as heck.

[@gottaluvpink89]

He’s the only legit character out here

[@tashwill2083]

I actually got a pic with a naked cow girl or lady. She was kind of old but really nice.

[@SuperFireHog]

LOL ! He got arrested in Daytona Beach !

[@an.ticristo]

Too bad he’s a very intense trumper

[@awkwardcrowwithapartyhat]

@@an.ticristo big oof. Didn't know about that lol.

[@brianingersoll5604]

The people asking for money for you taking a photo with them are not scammers. As a tourist, the worst scammers are the Statue of Liberty tour boat scammers. Selling you tickets for way more than you can get at the office or online or even for access to the park. Last time I was in NYC, I helped a family from Spain who was about to get scammed for about $150. They didn't understand what was going on at all.

[@Dinosaurkid36]

Not the Ferrari casually driving by 3:15

[@Daveabbey]

Thanks for helping expose these dirtbags. The CD guys are nothing short of thugs. The Fake Monks are a close second. I think the key is to ignore all of them, including the costumes characters. Of course, it doesn’t help when you have small children with you.

[@hi-zg2wq]

Pick up the children and leave.

[@MattSezer]

I once met a friar who struck up a random conversation with me in of all places the Islamic art galleries of the Met. We ended up talking for close to an hour, not even about religious stuff, but about life in general. It’s rare to have random people approach you that aren’t trying to take advantage of you in NYC, but it sometimes happens.

[@samanthacruz3740]

I’m a New Yorker but every time I head down to Time Square the monks are everywhere. As soon as I see them approaching me I just raise my hand and tell them NO! You just have to tell them all that you’re not interested and you should be fine!

[@VintageFlight70]

I went to French Quarter in New Orleans last month and there were also a lot of fake monks, there were also street performers who forcibly clean your shoes and expect a tip

[@kevinaa1622]

I think the Disney characters are a scam too because after she agreed to $2 she told her friend “run over there cause no more pictures here” as if they are trying to charge for pictures

[@SarahFunky]

Have you experienced any of these encounters in NYC? Comment below and let me know! PS - I love NY and this video is just for fun! Most of New York is great but there are always some bad apples in the Big Apple 😉 NEW VIDEO: I did Mexico's tourist traps and this is what happened....kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXrLaX96q6h3jbc

[@noahneutral7557]

I’ve seen those fake monks near my university in Phoenix! It’s insane

[@Whoahandle]

I always wonder about CD guys. Nobody uses CDS anymore

[@karinagarcia5968]

We see this in L.A. Looking forward to visiting NY in a week. Hopefully we wont stand out 😂

[@jeffreyjamrog3779]

I've lived in NYC for 50 years. I've seen it all. The biggest scams in Time Square were the 3 card Monte.

[@Daveabbey]

@@Whoahandle they are nothing short of thugs. Try calling out their scam and they will get real upset real fast. They are intimidating.

[@ramcesdelgado5123]

CD Guys are so worst in Times Square. Sometimes one of them they approach you aggressive hand you a cd and then pressure for tips.

[@organizedchaos4559]

Just take it and if they ask for a tip just return it

[@pkal244]

@@organizedchaos4559 not that easy. They won't accept it back and the worst ones will get in your face requiring money. Just NEVER accept anything that someone hands you randomly in NYC, or in life for that matter. I've seen this scam pulled in 3rd world countries too.

[@Daveabbey]

They are the worst. At least the monks generally won’t look intimidating or possibly get violent.

[@organizedchaos4559]

@@pkal244 I did it once, I handed it back to them and he didn’t accept it so I just dropped it and walked away. They won’t chase you or anything especially on crowded times square

[@pkal244]

@@organizedchaos4559 hahah nice. There was an overly aggressive guy on Prince & Broadway in Soho that was the most aggressive scumbag I've seen pull this BS. He'd harass my then-gf and I just for ignoring him. I'm 99% sure he'd fight you if you did that but he was also a nutbag with not much to lose. I haven't seen him in a while so he probably pissed off the wrong person or got arrested. 👍

[@edwink1467]

“I’m not a stripper.” Yea you are worse. You are a scammer. At least strippers make a honest living.

[@kentinuwu7229]

This

[@UnknownServant]

both are bad, same level.

[@rexflores8461]

@@UnknownServant nah strippers are better

[@miaujsc1904]

True

[@gregmilam1576]

Idk if selling your body is a honest living

[@mikeyjohnson5888]

I've run into the monk dudes in vegas. They handed me a bracelet and expected a donation and I just kept walking.

[@gregvermette1872]

Walking through TS nearly every day, I get to see the poor visitors to NY in the talons of these conmen first hand. I always like to walk by and say "don't do it!" under my breath, and see how they react. I'd like to feel like I've saved at least a couple people's vacation money this way. :) One of the things that's most troubling is the violence the CD peddlers have become prone to as of late, with opposing groups drawing weapons and of shots being fired into crowds a couple times recently, particularly on the corner of 45th...and now the police stand by watching them like hawks. I hope the added pressure forces some of them to move on.

[@robin5380]

Your a good guy👍 , & yes the CD guys are Bullies

[@estelaangeles2346]

@@robin5380 yes but i like cds because i like the songs

[@colors6692]

@@robin5380 And they are all BLACKS

[@crazycatzg3481]

@@robin5380 yes, and their musics are crap

[@clydekimsey7503]

Are the CDs blank, or what? I'm sure they are bootlegs, though

[@SuzyBelli]

That entire interaction with the monk LMAO 🤣

[@chevaphon2664]

Monks don’t say namaste lol big give away is his HEAD ISNT SHAVED 😂😂

[@davmets86]

Monks and skinheads have the same barber?

[@Ashfold_Eberesche]

"I don't have a CD player" "Nobody does!" Oh god. I'm old.

[@Vintagesonic1]

2:35 Bro stared directly into our souls. 💀

[@sarahursic1151]

The only way this thing could have been even more hilarious was if you suddenly started talking back to him in perfect chinese (since he obviously isn't).

[@TDK2K]

Actually most of these fake monk scam artists are on visitor visas from China.

[@sarahursic1151]

@@TDK2K you know them personally huh? That dude said namaste to her , lol

[@TDK2K]

@@sarahursic1151 It's obviously an act. It's a popular scam amongst poor Chinese to come here to do this on visitors visas. whatever the case, do not support them. Call them out.

[@sarahursic1151]

@@TDK2K yeah no worries .

[@natalkak.9622]

Oh .. he is Chinese ! It was quite wide spread and dated scam in China .. but at some point all the fake monks disappeared. Ppl thought that gov. finally cleaned them up .. but no .. they went international!! :)) Real monks not allowed to ask for donations like this

[@therealhannahlee]

This is such a fun video! The CD guys and the monks make me especially angry.

[@estelaangeles2346]

I dont mind because i like cds

[@oscarespinoza4109]

Despite the Scams, I still Love NYC and always Will ❤️ great video like always Sarah.

[@loseweightnowddingle1856]

You are so Brave, I was like 😬, I couldn't do it, Great Video!

[@adelanaofficial]

Those fake monks sound so much like The Minions from Despicable Me. 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@MsAurora21]

Thank you for this. I have experienced these encounters and it’s a shame that people do this as a job when there are so many who actually need the money. SCAM, SCAM, SCAM.

[@ShanteRoxxane]

That CD guy said “You’re not Abraham’s wife, right?” 😂That was actually funny. They really try to sweet you up to get your money.

[@AmiWayLee]

Cuando fui sola a New York me preocupe de ir con algunos tours en español donde efectivamente me contaron de estas artimañas, creo que es la mejor manera d e viajar seguro

[@jameshepburn4631]

As they say in China: "shoa Ying Wen pee yar".

[@billlee270]

Pls report these people to NYPD.

[@jeandlg1]

Born and raised in NYC 50yrs. Love NYC it keeps changing its like a big book with so many chapters of stories. But tourist must learn no matter where you go, you must be alert turn on common sense especially don't go to areas you shouldn't go. Do your research.

[@danielmelendez9943]

I live in NYC all my life, scams are everywhere and what i mean by that is that U can get SCAMMED anywhere in the world. So, since i lived in the bronx all my life, i can see a SCAM a mile away. I refuse to give out free money in NYC streets. Great video, reminds me of not to go to Times Square under any circumstances.

[@petertarantelli]

This was fun…thanks for putting yourself out there!

[@cxslug]

Great video.I have seen these “monks” in sf and other cities and I just keep walking.

[@flabbybum9562]

Great video. To me, a scammer is someone who misrepresents, misleads, or pesters or tries to take advantage. Someone offering some sort of service for tips, but without those scammer elements, is good to go in my book.

[@PopsiCOLE]

Yes, thanks for telling us what a scammer is. Captain obvious

[@flabbybum9562]

@@PopsiCOLE A Captain can be a military rank, although it is also widely used to refer to someone in charge of a mercantile type vessel.

[@PopsiCOLE]

@@flabbybum9562 Gee thanks Captain colonel Dr obvious

[@kennyc587]

best scam is the no prices food cart/hotdog cart scam. The price of a bottle of anything fluctuates from $1 to $20.

[@sylviemac1971]

This was a fun video to watch! There was one scam I almost fell for because it seemed legit.They were selling tickets for a Comedy Central comedy show that featured a comic from SNL that they would be filmed. I didn’t have cash at the time so I decided to investigate and it turned out the show was at this B rated club and you * had* to buy so many drinks and the comic highlight was an unknown. Avoid this scam. Please make more of these!

[@deeztacos6336]

Me and my GF fell for this comedy club scam back in 14 first time in NYC. They told is George lopez would be there along with other high profile guys. Showed up and had to spend at least $20 in drinks per person

[@I41535D]

that monk was basically saying " sign here damm you and donate and walk away" within his smile ^_^

[@vnlingli]

My friend experienced a scam where a homeless person intentionally tripped in front of him and spilled his plate of food on the floor and proceeded to scold him and to get him to compensate him money for his spilt food. Then after my friend was out of view, he picked the food up and tried it on someone else.

[@anthonye.4999]

I was in lower Manhattan 4 days ago for the first time ever and I was shocked as to how massive New York is. This awe inspiring view came from the observation deck at Empire State building. A year ago I feel in love with California but now my new love is New York.

[@MrSupernova111]

I've been to NYC a couple of times. I don't recall dealing with any scammers. But then I don't trust anyone and I'm suspicious of everyone so maybe avoiding talking to strangers in NYC is a good policy.

[@KaySeminomadic]

I have visited NYC my whole life. Just ignore the anyone who approaches you and you will be fine.

[@hugowong9999]

You da MVP for stepping into the tourist traps so we don't have to!

[@misiasperoviajeras]

Awesomeeeee!! Amazing video amiga!!!

[@melanievlogs4272]

Hi 👋🏼

[@gatobors7202]

Qué hacen aquí misias? :0

[@SaidAhmad]

There’s only one thing worse than getting scammed, and that’s getting scammed while knowing you’re getting scammed…😂😂😂

[@motorcyclemonkey411]

I can’t believe you are actually videoing hustles going down to promote your own hustle! Outstanding!👏🏼

[@FanOBarbaro]

Love how the naked cowboy claims to freeze in winter when the truth of the matter is he goes south to Florida during the colder months...saw him get arrested and appear in a Florida court on an episode of court cam...he goes to Florida every year