Times Square Scams

So I arrived to NYC today from Illinois, and I'm having a wonderful first day! we went to Bryant park and heard a man singing (he was good, although the song selections were eclectic). We had a couple hours before we could check in at the hotel so we left our bags then walked to Times Square and back. It was a lovely walk until we got to Times Square.

Several young men in their early twenties were handing out (I assumed for free) CDs of themselves rapping. A guy asked me my name, I told him, he then wrote it on the disc and gave it to me. My boyfriend (Mike) and I were then beginning to walk away (as he had been given a demo by another rapper) when the man who gave me mine then was asking for a donation. I, of course (as a rule), never carry cash on me and therefore was super embarrassed. He then was telling me there was an ATM by the Hard Rock Cafe, and he handed Mike 20 dollars in fives, he said that he would give me change, and five or six other rappers were keeping Mike from me. I panicked and walked toward the cafe looking for the ATM, the whole time obviously feeling like an idiot and thinking the worst could happen. I did get 20 bucks from the ATM and gave it to the ringleader and the two of us immediately returned to our hotel to check in. This hasn't ruined my trip or anything, the whole encounter was just frightening. Is this common? i felt terrible that i left him there and spent the whole way back apologizing. i've never felt like a bigger dunce.

Any other scams I should keep my eyes open for? is picking pockets prevalent?

oops! i figured that it geographically was right by broadway, but i guess you're right... haha. i saw lots of creepy characters, including a frightening hulk. one of the elmos had his head off and was actually and asian woman. very odd.

This reads like that part in Adventures in Babysitting when that one girl loses her glasses.

Updated On: 5/28/15 at 06:08 PM

Yes, that!

Bilingual had me at: "heard a man singing (he was good, although the song selections were eclectic)"...

Yes, it's common. Also watch out for the "monks" who do the same thing — "prayer books" instead of CDs. Anyone handing you anything in Times Square wants something. And Elmo will just straight up cut you.

Updated On: 5/28/15 at 06:35 PM

I saw the monks! a lady was writing one a check when i walked by. after i had just been hustled, i assumed it had to be a scam.

Yes, it's not uncommon. If it happens again just keep walking. If all else fails, just scream at the top of your lungs and they will disappear.

"one of the elmos had his head off and was actually and asian woman. very odd."

Yes, there are people under there. What were you expecting?

I don't accept anything from anyone in Times Square. Because it's a heavy tourist area, there are always going to be people trying to scam unsuspecting tourists who aren't familiar with the city and its habits. I'll take flyers from Broadway shows that people pass out, but, that's it. Don't accept CDs, prayer cards, or pose for photographs with any of the costumed characters. This is not Disneyland, this is New York City. I would think it would be common sense among people, even tourists, to not accept 'free' gifts from complete strangers. It will cost you.

I'm sorry this happened to you. These idiots are all over the place. There have been several news reports about it, and I'm surprised this is still going on. Be careful out there and enjoy your trip!

Classic pickpocketing ploy, so be careful. While one person engages in this kind of "transaction" others may be dipping into your purse or tote bag or bumping into you to lift your wallet.

wow...why in the world would you take anything from anyone in times square??? wow..just wow

In Rockefeller Plaza while the Today show is being filmed, there's a guy who stands out there "claiming" to be collecting money for a soup kitchen. The way he obtains "donations" is by handing you a baseball hat and guilting you into giving him at least $10 for it. While I certainly hope the money is going to charity, I have my doubts.