Tourist Scams in USA: 5 Common Scams & How to Avoid Them (2026) | Travel Safe
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5 scams documented·Last updated: July 2026

Tourist Scams in USA: 5 Common Scams & How to Avoid Them (2026)

The United States has its own tourist scam ecosystem, concentrated in New York City (Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge), Las Vegas, and Miami. Most scams are non-violent and rely on social pressure, distraction, or false authority.

Quick Reference: All Scams at a Glance

ScamWhere It HappensRisk LevelTypical Cost
CD / Mixtape ScamNew York City — Times Square, Union Square, Hollywood Boulevard (LA)Medium$10–$20 per CD
Costumed Character Photo FeeNew York City — Times Square; Hollywood — Walk of Fame (LA)Medium$5–$20 per photo
Fake Monk DonationNew York City — Times Square, Grand Central; Chicago — Magnificent MileLow$5–$20 per interaction
Taxi Overcharging at JFK/LaGuardiaNew York City — JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Penn StationMedium$10–$80 overcharge per ride
Las Vegas Timeshare PresentationLas Vegas — Strip hotels, casino lobbiesHigh$10,000–$50,000 USD in timeshare contracts
Medium Risk

CD / Mixtape Scam

New York City — Times Square, Union Square, Hollywood Boulevard (LA)

How It Works

A man approaches and hands you a CD, saying it is a free gift or a sample of his music. Once you take it, he demands $10–$20 for the 'free' CD. Refusing causes a scene. He may write your name on it to make it harder to return.

💸 Typical amount lost: $10–$20 per CD

Red Flags

  • Man approaches with CDs in hand
  • Hands you something before discussing price
  • Claims it is free

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Here, free CD, I am a rapper, just take it""
  • ""I put your name on it, now you must pay""
  • ""Support local music, just $10""

What To Say & Do

Do not take anything handed to you by strangers. Say: 'No thank you' and keep walking. If you take it accidentally, hand it back immediately.

Medium Risk

Costumed Character Photo Fee

New York City — Times Square; Hollywood — Walk of Fame (LA)

How It Works

People dressed as Elmo, Spider-Man, or other characters pose for photos with tourists and then demand $5–$20 per photo. Some become aggressive if not paid. The characters are not affiliated with Disney or any official organization.

💸 Typical amount lost: $5–$20 per photo

Red Flags

  • Character approaches you or poses with you without asking
  • Multiple characters surround you
  • No price discussed before the photo

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Photo with Elmo? Just $10""
  • ""You took photo, you must pay""

What To Say & Do

Agree on the price before taking any photo. Say: 'How much?' before posing. If you do not want a photo, say 'No thank you' firmly and keep walking.

Low Risk

Fake Monk Donation

New York City — Times Square, Grand Central; Chicago — Magnificent Mile

How It Works

Men in orange robes approach tourists and hand them a small medallion or bracelet, then ask for a donation. Real Buddhist monks do not solicit donations from strangers on the street.

💸 Typical amount lost: $5–$20 per interaction

Red Flags

  • Monk approaches you proactively
  • Hands you an item before asking for money
  • Asks for a specific dollar amount

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""For you, peace and happiness, please donate""
  • ""Buddha bless you, small donation""

What To Say & Do

Do not accept items from strangers. Say: 'No thank you' and keep walking.

Medium Risk

Taxi Overcharging at JFK/LaGuardia

New York City — JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Penn Station

How It Works

Unlicensed 'gypsy cabs' at JFK and LaGuardia approach arrivals offering rides. The official flat rate from JFK to Manhattan is $70 (plus tolls and tip). Gypsy cabs charge $80–$150 and take longer routes.

💸 Typical amount lost: $10–$80 overcharge per ride

Red Flags

  • Driver approaches you inside the terminal
  • Car is not a yellow taxi or licensed black car
  • Refuses to confirm the flat rate

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Taxi to Manhattan? $80, good price""
  • ""Yellow cab queue is very long, I take you now""

What To Say & Do

Use only yellow taxis from the official taxi rank outside arrivals, or book an Uber/Lyft from the app. The flat rate from JFK to Manhattan is $70 (plus tolls and tip). From LaGuardia, the metered fare to Manhattan is $30–$50.

High Risk

Las Vegas Timeshare Presentation

Las Vegas — Strip hotels, casino lobbies

How It Works

Promoters at casino lobbies offer free show tickets, resort credits, or cash in exchange for attending a '90-minute' timeshare presentation. The presentation lasts 4–8 hours with aggressive sales tactics. Contracts are difficult to cancel.

💸 Typical amount lost: $10,000–$50,000 USD in timeshare contracts

Red Flags

  • Offer of free gifts for attending a presentation
  • Promoter at casino lobby or hotel entrance
  • Pressure to sign 'today only' contracts

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Just 90 minutes, we give you $200 resort credit and show tickets""
  • ""This price is only available today""

What To Say & Do

Decline all timeshare invitations. Say: 'No thank you, we are not interested.' If you attend and want to cancel, the FTC gives you 3 business days to cancel in writing.

If You've Been Scammed in USA

Don't panic. Document everything immediately — take photos, write down times, locations, and descriptions of anyone involved. Then follow these steps:

  1. 1.Report to local tourist police (most major cities have a dedicated tourist police unit).
  2. 2.Contact your bank immediately if your card was compromised — request a chargeback.
  3. 3.File a claim with your travel insurance provider — most policies cover scam losses.
  4. 4.Contact your country's embassy or consulate if you need emergency assistance.
Full step-by-step guide: What To Do If You've Been Scammed

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Frequently Asked Questions: Scams in USA

Is New York City safe for tourists?

New York City is generally safe for tourists in the main tourist areas (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens). Avoid Times Square late at night and be vigilant about pickpockets on the subway. Use licensed yellow taxis or rideshare apps.

Are the costumed characters in Times Square a scam?

Yes. Characters like Elmo, Spider-Man, and Disney princesses in Times Square will demand $10–$20 for a photo. They are not official and can become aggressive if you refuse to pay. Simply decline to pose for photos.

How do I avoid taxi scams in New York City?

Use the official yellow metered taxis or rideshare apps (Uber/Lyft). Confirm the driver is using the meter before you start. From JFK, flat-rate taxis to Manhattan are $70 (plus tolls and tip) — insist on the flat rate.

What should I do if someone hands me a CD?

Do not take it. Once it is in your hands, the scammer will demand payment. If you have already taken it, hand it back immediately and walk away. Say: 'No thank you.' Do not engage in conversation.

Are fake monks a scam in the USA?

Yes. Men dressed in orange robes approach tourists in cities like New York and San Francisco, handing out small trinkets or beads and then demanding donations. Real Buddhist monks do not solicit donations on the street.

Related Scam Guides

Street Scams: Bracelets, Petitions & MoreTaxi Scams: The Complete GuideWhat To Do If You've Been Scammed

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