http://www.escape.com.au/travel-advice/the-one-new-york-city-scam-that-you-can-a...New York. It’s the ultimate big city destination with so much to see and do. However, like most popular tourist places, there are plenty of shady characters looking to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists.
In the case of bustling Times Square in the heart of New York City, these characters are Mickey Mouse, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Thor and even adorable little Elmo from Sesame Street.
Don’t be fooled by their friendly and bubbly personas as they urge you to take a photo with them. Don’t do it. They will try to relieve you of as much cash as they can for the privilege.
Panhandlers dressed as costumed characters “performing” in Times Square became such an issue in New York that legislation was introduced last year to make them register and wear ID badges.
It also restricted where they could operate, marking out designated activity zones where they can solicit money in an attempt to curb overly aggressive behaviour.
This means that there are zones where tourists can sit and relax without fear of being hounded by the costumed characters.
Still, some didn’t seem to get the memo. Two men and a woman (dressed as Iron Man, The Hulk and Anna from the movie Frozen) were arrested soon after the legislation was introduced for refusing to give back change to a father and daughter visiting the city.
In another case, a woman dressed as Minnie Mouse was arrested for harassing a tourist and demanding a $20 tip.
how sad......