Don’t get scammed: 5 ways New York City tourists get swindled

Watch out for the "free tickets" in Times Square

1. “Free” Comedy

It’s virtually impossible to walk through Times Square without being offered free tickets to a comedy show. First: It’s not really free. A mandatory two-drink minimum is the norm, and each of those sugary cocktails might run you $15 a pop. Second: It’s rarely funny. Most clubs advertise a celebrated legacy, but where so-and-so “got his start” doesn’t mean much in a city where every well-known comedian plays just about every low-level stage at some point in his career. For a real dose of the city’s humor, seek out some off-off Broadway that tickles your fancy (there’s always ample downtown), catch some improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, or browse the funny happenings during your stay in any of New York’s free weekly papers, such as the Village Voice.

2. Parking Pains

Parking is a nightmare in Manhattan, but it’s made worse by unscrupulous garages. Every day, the fine print on these signs — print that’s hardly readable by someone driving by — dupes people out of a small fortune. The most common trick: The sign posts a low rate (say, $10), but this rate is only good for the first half-hour and after that the rate doubles (to, in some cases, as much as $40 an hour). Adding to the madness, rates can change from day to day, and at times even more gouging “event rates” can take effect (even when there doesn’t appear to be an “event” in sight). What’s worse, some garages staff flag-wavers to guide unsuspecting motorists into their lot — as if they were directing traffic! On top of all this, here’s the final kicker: There is a 6% New York City sales tax, a 4% New York State sales tax, a 0.375% Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District surcharge, and, for parking or storing vehicles in Manhattan, there’s another 8% surcharge, which brings the total tax rate to 18.375%! The solution? Avoid the whole mess altogether and, if you absolutely must bring a car to New York City, park in New Jersey or in one of the other Boroughs, such as Brooklyn or Queens.

3. Sneaky Hot Dog Salesmen

Most street food carts are a fine way to snag a quick meal on the cheap. Some falafel, taco, and chicken-and-rice carts even maintain a devout local following (check out the finalists of the 2009 “Vendy Awards“). But not all can be trusted. Beware carts that don’t post their prices. If anyone tries to bully you into a $3 hotdog, look appalled and walk away. In many cases, the vender will then drop the price down to normal “just for you.”

4. Not-So-Discount Electronics

“Going out of business” is not the sign of the times in Times Square; it’s the sign of a scam. Dingy-looking electronic stores abound in Midtown, luring unwitting travelers with phony “going out of business” sales on cameras, iPods, and other electronics. Making matters worse, the merchandise is often refurbished, long outdated, stolen, or gratuitously overpriced. Put simply: Half-off of twice the normal price is no bargain. For reliable deals, go where the locals go: B&H (for cameras) and J&R (for all other electronics).

5. The Charity Con

Whatever your views on panhandling might be, the United Homeless Organization is just plain sleazy. For $15 per day, the company — it’s not a non-profit — rents out water jugs (the kind found in a water cooler at most offices) with the U.H.O.’s logo taped to the front. Various people — some homeless, others not — rent out the jugs each day and set up shop on street corners throughout the city asking for “donations” to help fight homelessness. Tourists and locals alike generously contribute to what they think is a legit organization, while the man with the bucket shoves a very heavy $150 or so per day right in his pocket.

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