Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bronx, United States
1. Subway Station Scams
Be wary of people asking for directions or pretending to sell tokens; they may distract you while others pickpocket. Use MTA machines to buy tickets.
- Distraction Theft: Criminals often use distractions to steal from unsuspecting victims.
- Fake Token Sellers: Individuals may pose as MTA employees to sell fake MetroCards or overcharge for genuine ones.
- Pickpocketing: Subway stations are common locations for pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
2. Tourist Attraction Ticket Scams
Some vendors near popular attractions may sell fake or overpriced tickets. Always buy from official locations.
- Fake Tickets: Counterfeit tickets are often sold by unauthorized vendors to unsuspecting tourists.
- Overpricing: Vendors may take advantage of tourists by charging exorbitant prices for tickets.
- Unauthorized Vendors: Individuals posing as ticket vendors may not be authorized to sell tickets, putting tourists at risk.
3. Food Cart Scams
Some food carts may use expired or substandard ingredients. Only eat from reputable and busy carts.
- Expired Ingredients: Food carts may use outdated ingredients to save costs, putting customers at risk.
- Substandard Ingredients: Some food carts may skimp on quality ingredients to increase profits.
- Unhygienic Conditions: Not all food carts maintain proper sanitation standards, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
4. Taxi Scams
Some taxis may charge inflated prices or refuse to use meters. Use official yellow cabs and confirm prices before starting the journey.
- Inflated Prices: Taxis may charge tourists higher prices than locals, especially for long distances or late at night.
- Meter Refusal: Drivers may refuse to use the meter or overcharge for short trips.
- Unlicensed Taxis: Unlicensed cabs may pose as official yellow taxis, increasing the risk of fraudulent activities.
5. Airbnb Scams
Some Airbnb listings may be fake or unsafe. Always verify the host and property before booking.
- Fake Listings: Individuals create fake listings to scam unsuspecting travelers.
- Unsafe Conditions: Rentals may be unsafe or in poor condition, posing a risk to guests.
- Identity Theft: Scammers may use stolen identities to post fake listings and steal personal information from unsuspecting travelers.
6. ATM Scams
Skimming devices may be placed on ATMs to steal card data. Only use ATMs located in secure areas and avoid using ATMs attached to convenience stores.
- Skimming Devices: Criminals attach devices to ATMs to capture card information.
- Card Trapping: Some ATMs may have traps designed to keep cards inside, allowing criminals to retrieve them later.
- Crowded Locations: ATMs in crowded locations are more susceptible to being targeted by scammers.
7. Street Performance Scams
Some street performers may insist on payment or become aggressive when not paid. Watch performances but only tip if you wish.
- Aggressive Demeanor: Performers may become aggressive when not paid, intimidating tourists into giving money.
- Insistent Payment Requests: Performers may insist on payment even if the performance was not enjoyable or expected.
- Fraudulent Performances: Some performances are staged to distract tourists while others pickpocket or commit other crimes.
8. Lottery Scams
Individuals may approach tourists claiming they've won a lottery and need money to collect the prize. Lotteries are never conducted in this manner; ignore such solicitations.
- Fake Winnings: There is no lottery that requires payment upfront to claim winnings.
- Identity Theft: Scammers may use the opportunity to steal personal information for fraudulent purposes.
- Extortion: Once money is paid, scammers may demand more or resort to threats and intimidation.
9. Charity Scams
Some individuals may claim to represent charities but are actually scamming for personal gain. Research legitimate charities and donate through their official channels.
- Fake Charities: Individuals may create fake charities or misrepresent themselves as legitimate organizations to solicit donations.
- Unnecessary Expenses: Scammers may claim that the money is needed for one purpose but use it for another, wasting valuable resources.
- Personal Gain: Donations intended for charity may be used by scammers for personal expenses or other fraudulent activities.
10. Car Rental Scams
Some rental car companies may charge hidden fees or damage vehicles to claim insurance payments. Thoroughly inspect the vehicle before renting and read contracts carefully.
- Hidden Fees: Rental companies may charge additional fees that were not disclosed during the reservation process.
- Damage Claims: Some companies may damage their own vehicles and claim the damage was caused by renters to collect insurance payments.
- Unfair Insurance Policies: Rental companies may have unfair or misleading insurance policies, leaving renters liable for excessive costs in the event of an accident.
11. Hotel Scams
Some hotels may charge hidden fees, overcharge for services, or provide substandard service. Research hotels and read reviews before booking.
- Hidden Fees: Hotels may charge additional fees that were not disclosed during the reservation process.
- Overcharging for Services: Hotels may overcharge for services such as Wi-Fi, parking, and mini-bar items.
- Substandard Service: Some hotels may provide poor service or cleanliness, despite advertising otherwise.
12. Parking Scams
Illegal parking lots may charge inflated prices or tow vehicles to demand payment. Only park in authorized parking spaces and avoid unattended machines.
- Inflated Prices: Parking lots may charge excessively high prices, taking advantage of tourists.
- Towing for Payment Demand: Illegal parking lots may tow vehicles and demand payment to release them.
- Unattended Machines: Machines that accept payment without a visible attendant are more likely to be scams or unauthorized lots.
13. Courier Scams
Individuals may claim to be couriers delivering packages and ask for help carrying them. Ignore such requests as they are often fraudulent.
- Fake Deliveries: Courier scams often involve fake or stolen packages.
- Identity Theft: Scammers may use these interactions to steal personal information for fraudulent purposes.
- Distraction Theft: Couriers may create a distraction while others pickpocket or commit other crimes.
14. Internet Café Scams
Internet cafés may install keyloggers to capture login information. Use secure Wi-Fi networks and avoid using public computers for sensitive activities.
- Keyloggers: Cafes may install software to capture usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information.
- Malware: Public computers may be infected with malware that can harm your device or steal personal information.
- Unsecured Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks may be unsecured, allowing others to intercept traffic and capture sensitive information.
15. Ticket Scalping Scams
Some scalpers may sell fake or overpriced tickets for events. Only buy from authorized sources or wait in line at the venue on the day of the event.
- Fake Tickets: Scalpers may sell counterfeit tickets to unsuspecting buyers.
- Overpricing: Scalpers may charge exorbitant prices for tickets, taking advantage of the demand for popular events.
- Ticket Theft: Scalpers may steal tickets from legitimate ticket holders or use stolen credit cards to purchase tickets.