As street savvy as most New Yorkers are, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a wealth of scammers trying to take advantage of those who work or live in the Big Apple.
From phone scams and fake job offers to faux kidnappings and tow-away schemes, the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs deals with about 21,000 complaints from consumers about cons, grifts and shady practices.
“Scams are ever-evolving as criminals prey and take advantage of consumers so remember the age-old adage -- if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” said DCA commissioner Julie Menin.
So with that in mind, the city says these are the top 10 scams every New Yorker should look out for:
1. Employment Agency Scams: Job offer sounds like it’s too good to be true? If someone purporting to be from an employment agency tries to charge you fees, then it probably is. The DCA says that scammers will take advantage of people looking for work by advertising jobs that don’t actually exist and will guarantee a job offer too early in the process. They may charge upfront fees or make you pay for training in order to get the job. To avoid being caught in the scam, only apply for jobs through licensed employment agencies and file complaints with 311 if you think you’re becoming the victim of a scam.
2. Towing Scams: While towing companies can hook your car if you park in a lot that is for customers only, they can’t pull it away and try to make you pay more than the city-mandated $62.50 to unhook the car in the lot or the $125 towing and storage fee if it’s pulled to the lot. The DCA says that some companies have been known to tow cars before a driver leaves a lot or have pulled a car around the corner to get people to pay above the legal towing rates.
3. Immigration Assistance Scams: If you need legal advice on immigration, the city says you should only go to an attorney or someone who works for an organization recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals. Notaries can’t give legal advice or draft legal papers.
4. Predatory Schools: New Yorkers looking into higher education should also be on the lookout for for-profit schools that aggressively recruit students for everything from air conditioning repair to cosmetology. They urge prospective students to do research about schools and get their class cancellation policies in writing.
5. Electronic Store Scams: Some electronics stores in the city have been known to try to pass off used or refurbished electronics as new, or try to sell extra warranties that may not be needed with a manufacturer’s original warranty. The city DCA urges shoppers to do research before buying a new gadget, and should make sure to go to electronics shops that have licenses.
6. Parking Ticket Scams: Got an email that has an attachment and says it is from the Department of Finance? Don’t open it. Scammers have been sending emails purporting to contain attachments about parking tickets, but actually contain malware that can steal important information or lock your computer and require you to pay a fee. The city says you should delete emails that say they’re pertaining to city parking tickets.
7. ATM Skimmers: If you’re trying to withdraw cash from the ATM, keep an eye out for cameras and fake PIN pads. Thieves have been known to install skimmers on ATM machines that read your card’s information. Then, they use a hidden camera or false number pad to steal your PIN.
8. Phone Scams: If a caller pretends to be from a utility company, the IRS or a kidnapped family member, and then asks for payment from a Green Dot prepaid debit card, you’re being scammed, the city says. In another common scam making the rounds this tax season, callers will pose as IRS workers and will try to coax personal information out of you. In both cases, the city says you should hang up and avoid transferring money or giving away personal information.
9. Grandparent Scams: Older New Yorkers should be on the lookout for calls and emails in the middle of the night about their grandchildren being in dangers. Con artists pretend to be everything from gang members to hostage-takers to scare people into paying thousands of dollars. Police have urged potential victims to get in touch with their family members if they think they’re being scammed.
10. Rental Listing Scams: Finding the perfect apartment in New York City is already hard enough without con artists claiming to be real estate agents. The city says renters should be wary of renters who ask for payment before showing you an apartment or ask you to wire money in exchange for keys.
