How to earn $90 in 3 minutes in New York: a little strange way, but effective
'10.11.2022'
Nadezhda Verbitskaya
Tired of your savings being depleted by the exorbitant cost of living in New York? Don't worry! Enterprising TikToker has shown a sure way that Big Apple residents can make extra money in just a few minutes by complaining about empty trucks. This video has 1,3 million views as Gotham residents scramble to find ways to make extra money amid inflation woes. New York Post.
“People in New York are making tens of thousands of dollars on their smartphones reporting trucks idling,” Will teases in the video. He manages the TikTok account doobzee.eth, which describes in detail the various types of earnings - from crypto speculation to NFT.
This latest get-rich-quick scheme takes advantage of Citizens Air Complaint Program in New York, launched in 2019 by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. The program offers ordinary citizens a cash reward for reporting emissions violations around the city.
@doobzee.eth #greenscreen Would you do this or is this just snitching? #nyc #sidehustle #idling #snitching ♬ Violin - Grooving Gecko
To do their part in the fight against smog, citizens film a truck idling for more than three minutes. In New York it's a violation
They then upload the video to the complaints system website. “Attentive New Yorkers will be able to get 25% of the cost of the fine after paying it,” explains Will.
Fines for first-time offenders are $350. This means vigilant individuals can earn $87,50 in just 3 minutes. Will describes the case of an 81-year-old New York informant named Paul Slapikas. The retiree claims to have earned a whopping $64 this way.
On the subject: New York mayoral candidate proposes to create homes for TikTokers in the city
Environmental protection agencies consider the initiative important. After all, emissions from idling vehicles can cause many health problems. These include asthma, respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
While you can earn a free lunch this way, being a snitch is dangerous. “You have to be careful, because truck drivers have already beaten a lot of people for this, even stabbed one person,” Will warns.
“Knives were pointed at me three times,” Slapikas said. “But not a single drop of blood was shed.”
Whistleblower Patrick Snell says the risk can be reduced by holding the phone inconspicuously. Although he says it doesn't always work out.
