Auckland scam warning: Fake ‘monks’ allegedly demanding money on city streets

Aucklanders are being warned about an alleged widespread scam involving people posing as “monks” handing out bracelets or medallions before demanding money.

People have been targeted in recent weeks in the CBD, prompting an Auckland business association to involve police.

A woman, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Herald she was walking along the waterfront last Friday when she was approached.

She was listening to a podcast when a man dressed in black approached her.

“He tried to say something to me and then pushed a bracelet or a medal in my face.”

According to local residents, pedestrian hotspots such as Queen St, Wynyard Quarter and Aotea Square have repeatedly been targeted.

Others on social media say they have been approached in Henderson, Westgate and Manukau.

One person said the behaviour gave real monks a bad name: “Monks do not go out to the public and ask for money, period”.

‘He ripped them off me and disappeared’

Another person on Facebook said they had been approached twice in Wynyard Quarter. One of the alleged fake monks asked if they could get money from an ATM.

“I was approached; he gave me a bracelet and a charm. When I said no to giving him money, he ripped them off me and disappeared,” another person said.

Others said they were asked for donations and presented with a book of signatures, which showed details of existing donors.

Someone who shared a post about their encounter said they stopped another person from handing cash to a monk.

When confronted, the monk “scooted off”.

In another incident, a man said he stopped a woman from giving money.

“The fake monk just ran off,” he said.

A Heart of the City spokesperson said its safety team had witnessed the activities and immediately escalated them to police.

“Our team continue to provide on-the-ground support and monitoring in the city centre and work closely with authorities to help ensure the city centre remains safe and welcoming,” the spokesperson said.

The Herald hit the streets yesterday in search of the band of would-be monks, but they proved elusive.

However, Auckland Council security staff on Queen St told the Herald they had frequently seen a fake monk, claiming he often seemed to target tourists.

The security guard said there was not much they could do, unless the monks were caught in the act.

Mervyn Chetty, Auckland Council manager for licensing and environmental health, said the council had not received any reports over the behaviour.

“Individuals operating as members of religious organisations have certain protections under the Bill of Rights Act regarding the expression and practice of religion.

“This may include the distribution of religious articles such as bracelets and medallions,” Chetty said.

Groups that seek voluntary donations are required to have a fundraising licence, which is issued without charge by Auckland Council.

“If individuals are demanding payment, or exerting pressure on members of the public to provide money in exchange for items or setting fixed prices, this may fall outside the scope of protected religious activity,” Chetty said.

Police said they were not immediately aware of the issue.

This problem is not new; in 2015, fake charity “monks” also targeted pedestrians on New Zealand’s busiest streets.

The people behind the scam were recruited in China and sent here with the promise of making big money, according to a woman who trained as a fake nun.