Times Square Scams
Times Square Scams
#1Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 5:49pm
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?
Mr Roxy
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/17/03
#2Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 5:53pm
This is on the wrong board
By the way, watch out for Mickey & Minnie and the rest of the gang.
#2Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 5:58pm
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.
#3Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 6:02pm
The Woody is the worst, he is terrifying! I also went to a cafe and sat next to an empty Olaf costume just sitting across a table.
Can we get rid of these ridiculous costumes? Please.
FindingNamo
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#4Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 6:08pm
This reads like that part in Adventures in Babysitting when that one girl loses her glasses.
#5Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 6:14pm
"This reads like that part in Adventures in Babysitting when that one girl loses her glasses."
Chris I'm begging you, it's really scary here. I've just seen three people shoot up, a bald Chinese lady with no pants on, and there's this old guy outside who wants his bedroom slippers!
FindingNamo
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#6Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 6:16pm
Yes, that!
Bilingual had me at: "heard a man singing (he was good, although the song selections were eclectic)"...
#7Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 6:23pm
In NYC, nothing is free. That's my mantra.
followspot
Broadway Star Joined: 12/27/11
#8Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 6:35pm
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.
ScottyDoesn'tKnow2
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/22/14
#9Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 6:49pm
You could have just walked away. Happened to me once when I first moved here and I was like I don't want that just continued walking. Some monk gave me some beads and kept saying peace. I gave her $3 because I liked the beads and she was disappointed and said "$5!" and I responded with "$5? I thought you were all about peace!" She ended up with the $3.
Updated On: 5/28/15 at 06:49 PM#10Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 6:49pm
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.
jimmycurry01
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/28/05
#11Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 6:59pm
"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. "
The joke is on the monk. It was probably a rubber check. It will go bouncing all over the place.
Definitely stay away from the dirty, nasty costumed characters.
mc1227
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/29/07
#12Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 7:03pm
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.
#13Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 7:15pm
As a general rule I don't take anything that anyone is trying to hand me on the street. Don't make yourself an easy target. I've been coming to the city my whole life and have lived here for 7 years and knock on wood have never once been robbed.
Updated On: 5/28/15 at 07:15 PM
#14Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 7:53pm
"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?
FindingNamo
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#15Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 7:57pm
I'm more a fan of an Asian female Elmo that a big chicken hawk Elmo.
#16Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 8:11pm
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.
FindingNamo
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#17Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 8:13pm
… and she woke up back in her hotel in a bathtub full of ice cubes… and the message GET TO A HOSPITAL was written on the mirror! ...
Matt Rogers
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/4/04
#18Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 8:29pm
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!
#19Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 8:59pm
I was swindled by the costume characters with my grandma one year. Once they smell you, the swarm closes in.
Also had someone give me one of those CDs and when they asked for money I said I didn't have any and ripped right from my hand it was.
wonkit
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/30/08
#20Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 9:20pm
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.
#21Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 9:49pm
Do these costume characters need a licence/permit to be there--like buskers in a public place ?
mcurt9
Swing Joined: 12/21/10
#22Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/28/15 at 10:01pm
wow...why in the world would you take anything from anyone in times square??? wow..just wow
Cupid Boy2
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/5/13
#24Times Square Scams
Posted: 5/29/15 at 12:11am
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.
Videos