Beware of fake monks asking for cash
AAP
January 8, 2014, 9:51 pm
The NSW fair trading has issued a warning about a group masquerading as Buddhist monks. AP
Conmen are fleecing cash from people in Sydney by masquerading as Buddhist monks seeking donations.
Acting NSW Fair Trading Commissioner John Tansey has issued a warning about the saffron robbed charlatans, and said while begging was legal "this is nevertheless clearly a scam".
"These people are taking advantage of the public's generosity and have no affiliations with the Buddhist community," he said in a statement.
Fairfax reports that up to six men have for the past month trawled popular areas like Circular Quay, Hyde Park, Darling Harbour, Surry Hills and Parramatta CBD looking for donations of up to $50.
Mr Tansey said several reports had been made to police but authorities haven't determined whether the monks are extracting cash under false pretences.
A police spokeswoman told AAP officers had spoken to the imposters several times but no offence had taken place because the men didn't claim to be monks or lie that they were collecting on behalf of a charity.
"Police would like to hear from anyone who believes they have handed money over to these people," she said.
Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils president Kim Hollow told Fairfax Buddhist monks wouldn't ask for cash.
"In no way do we condone ordained people, a monk or nun, wandering the streets collecting money," he said.
