New York City Travel Tips: Avoiding Scams and Tricks?

Answer 1

New York is a concrete jungle where visitors may get lost, tricked and scammed. To have a safe and enjoyable visit to this marvelous city, there are some basic things to keep in mind. In this travel guide, you will find out how to avoid some of the city’s pitfalls that many vulnerable tourists fall into.

New York City is full of venues that offer entertainment, sports, and other special events. However, getting tickets to some of the events may be difficult, as they may be sold out. That is why ticket resale, also known as ticket scalping, often occurs near major events. Ticket resale online is actually legal and regulated in New York, and this is the only source for obtaining legitimate last minute tickets. However, people will try to sell you tickets right in the streets, and this is something that may be tempting for sold out events. There are several reasons for avoiding this type of ticket purchase.

First of all, ticket scalping on event grounds or within a certain distance of the event is illegal. This means that the person who is trying to sell you the ticket is breaking the law. You may also get into trouble just for buying tickets in the restricted radius. Sometimes, undercover NYPD officers will take part in ticket scalping. For example, at the US Open, there are clear signs prohibiting the resale of tickets within about 1,000 feet from the USTA National Tennis Center.

Another reason to avoid this type of purchase is that the tickets may be fake. Many locals exploit tourists this way by selling them cheap tickets, which are probably fake. Whether you are near Madison Square Garden or Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, don’t buy tickets on the streets from strangers. Simply walk into any venue, and ask for the availability of tickets from official booths.

Another common scam that occurs in the streets of New York City is fake charity. You may encounter people dressed in uniforms who collect money for certain causes and organizations such as for the homeless. These types of fake charity operations have been exposed over and over again. You should think twice before donating your money in the streets of NYC. If it’s not a well known organization such as the Salvation Army, then you should probably avoid the people asking you to open up your heart and wallet for a fake cause.