An Elmo grabbed my kid for a photo, then a "manager" demanded $40 because "the costume is licensed". There were three of them around us. This is the most reported scam in Times Square — say no, keep walking.
📍 New York City, United States
🗓️ Scam date: 28 November 2025
📝 Reported: 21 August 2026
A guy in a yellow rain jacket approached us at JFK baggage claim saying "taxi?" and took us to a black car. $120 flat to Manhattan, no meter, no license visible — and he drove aggressively the whole way. Official taxis are only at the marked stands.
🗓️ Scam date: 14 April 2026
📝 Reported: 18 August 2026
Taxi from the airport to the Strip took the tunnel "to avoid traffic" and the fare hit $38 for a trip that should be about $20. The driver acted offended when I mentioned the tunnel. Say "no tunnel, take Swenson" or use rideshare.
🗓️ Scam date: 11 September 2025
📝 Reported: 25 May 2026
We accepted "free tickets + breakfast" and lost the whole morning to a high-pressure timeshare presentation. The salesman got angry when we said no. There are no free tickets in Vegas — your time is the price.