Ep 1. New Orleans

In Scam City season 2 episode 1, host Conor Woodman visits the vibrant city of New Orleans to uncover the various scams that tourists fall victim to. The episode begins with Conor immersing himself in the city, taking in the sights and sounds of the famous Bourbon Street. However, he soon discovers that behind the colorful façade of the city lies a world of con artists and scammers.

Conor's first stop is the French Quarter, where he meets with a group of street performers who are all too eager to pickpocket unsuspecting tourists. He watches as they distract their victims with their music and dance, before skillfully stealing their wallets and purses. Conor also discovers the deceptive tactics used by fake psychics and fortune tellers in the city, who prey on the vulnerable and gullible.

Next, Conor heads to one of the city's most popular tourist attractions, the Steamboat Natchez. Here, he uncovers a scam involving the sale of counterfeit tickets. He also learns that many tourists are tricked into paying extra for a VIP experience that does not exist, only to be hurried through the boat ride alongside the regular passengers.

Conor then visits the city's famous cemeteries, including St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where he discovers a scam involving unauthorized tour guides. Many tourists are approached by individuals claiming to be official guides, who offer to take them on a tour of the cemetery for a fee. However, these guides are often not licensed and provide inaccurate or made-up information.

In addition to tourist-targeted scams, Conor also delves into the city's illicit activities, including the sale of narcotics and counterfeit goods. He meets with an undercover police officer who explains the extent of drug trafficking in the city, including the use of "fake stash" shops that are used to launder money.

Throughout the episode, Conor navigates the city's scams with the help of local experts, including a former pickpocket and a licensed tour guide. He also provides tips on how to avoid falling victim to these scams, including being wary of unsolicited offers, carefully examining tickets and tour guides, and using common sense.

By the end of the episode, Conor has uncovered a variety of scams in New Orleans, from the seemingly harmless pickpockets to the more dangerous drug trade. He encourages viewers to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings when visiting the city, but also acknowledges that most locals are honest and friendly people. The episode serves as a sobering reminder that even in a city as welcoming and beautiful as New Orleans, tourists can still fall victim to scams and illicit activities.