Aucklanders are being warned about an alleged scam involving individuals posing as Buddhist monks who approach pedestrians in busy areas, hand out bracelets or medallions, and then demand money.
Reports from recent weeks indicate people have been targeted in locations including Queen Street, Wynyard Quarter, Aotea Square, Henderson, Westgate and Manukau.
Victims say they were approached by people dressed as monks, asked for donations, shown books containing donor details, and in some cases pressured to withdraw cash from ATMs.
Several people reported that when they refused to pay or challenged the individuals, the items were taken back and the alleged scammers quickly left the area. Police have been alerted following concerns raised by a local business association.
Image credit: Daniel Lerman
They have been spotted in Palmy North’s Pak-N-Sav…and they weren’t looking for soy or fish sauce either!
They are NOT Shaollin, based on how the sash was wrapped…