Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Staten Island, New York, United States
1. Ferry Scam
Be wary of unofficial ferry operators offering discounted tickets. Stick to official Staten Island Ferry terminals.
- Official Terminals: Always use official Staten Island Ferry terminals.
- Discounted Tickets: Avoid offers of discounted tickets from unofficial sources.
- Unofficial Operators: Do not trust unofficial ferry operators.
2. Tour Guides Scam
Be cautious of unsolicited offers for free tours. Insist on seeing credentials or check with official Staten Island tourist information centers.
- Credentials: Ask tour guides for their credentials.
- Official Tourist Information Centers: Check with official Staten Island tourist information centers before booking a tour.
- Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of unsolicited offers for tours.
3. Taxi Scam
Avoid taxis without a meter or with a broken one. Use only officially licensed cabs and agree on the fare before starting the journey.
- Officially Licensed Cabs: Use only officially licensed taxis.
- Meter: Ensure the taxi has a working meter.
- Fare Agreement: Agree on the fare before starting your journey.
4. Counterfeit Goods Scam
Avoid buying goods from street vendors or unlicensed shops. Stick to reputable stores for genuine items.
- Reputable Stores: Buy goods only from reputable stores.
- Street Vendors: Avoid buying goods from street vendors or unlicensed shops.
- Genuine Items: Ensure you are buying genuine items.
5. ATM Scam
Choose well-lit, secure ATMs and avoid those attached to convenience stores or hotels. Monitor your transaction carefully and report any suspicious activity.
- Well-lit and Secure ATMs: Use only well-lit and secure ATMs.
- Convenience Stores or Hotels: Avoid using ATMs attached to convenience stores or hotels.
- Suspicious Activity: Monitor your transaction carefully and report any suspicious activity.
6. Pickpocketing Scam
Keep personal belongings secure at all times, especially in crowded areas like the Staten Island Ferry. Use a money belt or hidden pouch.
- Crowded Areas: Be extra cautious in crowded areas.
- Money Belt or Hidden Pouch: Use a money belt or hidden pouch to store valuables.
- Personal Belongings Security: Keep personal belongings secure at all times.
7. Charity Scam
Be cautious of individuals soliciting for charity on the street. Verify the authenticity of charities before donating.
- Authentic Charities: Verify the authenticity of charities before donating.
- Street Solicitation: Be cautious of individuals soliciting for charity on the street.
- Charity Donations: Consider donating to charities through reputable channels.
8. Times Square Scam
Avoid street performers who insist on payment or pressure you for tips. Appreciate performances and tip only if you wish.
- Street Performances: Appreciate street performances but avoid those who insist on payment.
- Payment Insistence: Avoid performers who insist on payment or pressure you for tips.
- Pressure for Tips: Tip only if you wish, and do not let anyone pressure you.
9. Car Rental Scam
Rent from reputable car rental companies. Check the vehicle for damage before accepting it and report any discrepancies.
- Reputable Car Rental Companies: Rent only from reputable car rental companies.
- Vehicle Inspection: Check the vehicle for damage before accepting it and report any discrepancies.
- Discrepancies Reporting: Report any discrepancies in the condition of the rental car.
10. Hotel Room Scam
Book rooms only through reputable channels like official hotel websites or trusted travel agencies. Inspect the room for any irregularities upon arrival.
- Reputable Booking Channels: Book rooms only through reputable channels.
- Room Inspection: Inspect the room for any irregularities upon arrival.
- Irregularities: Report any irregularities in your hotel room to management.
11. Restaurant Scam
Avoid restaurants that offer heavily discounted meals or insist on settling the bill upfront. Research restaurants before dining out.
- Heavily Discounted Meals: Avoid offers of heavily discounted meals.
- Settling Bill Upfront: Do not settle the bill upfront unless necessary.
- Research Restaurants: Research restaurants before dining out to ensure a good experience.
12. Ticket Scalping Scam
Buy event tickets only from authorized vendors. Be wary of tickets sold at unusually low prices or outside the venue.
- Authorized Vendors: Buy event tickets only from authorized vendors.
- Unusually Low Prices: Avoid tickets sold at unusually low prices.
- Outside the Venue: Be wary of tickets sold outside the event venue.
13. Wi-Fi Scam
Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Use a VPN to protect your data and personal information when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
- Unsecured Public Wi-Fi Networks: Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
- VPN Usage: Use a VPN to protect your data and personal information when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
- Public Wi-Fi Security: Be aware of the risks associated with using public Wi-Fi networks.
14. Beggar Scam
Be cautious when giving money to beggars. Some may be part of organized scams or could pose a safety risk.
- Organized Scams: Be cautious that some beggars might be part of organized scams.
- Safety Risks: Be aware of potential safety risks when giving money to beggars.
- Giving Money: Consider donating to reputable charities instead.
15. Cell Phone Charging Scam
Be careful when charging your phone at public charging stations. Some can install malware or steal your personal information.
- Public Charging Stations: Avoid using unsecured public charging stations.
- Malware Installation: Be aware that some charging stations can install malware on your device.
- Personal Information Theft: Protect your personal information when using public charging stations.