Monk scam

Uncommon card · No. 158719

A monk scam is a fraudulent activity in which individuals pose as Buddhist monks to solicit donations from unsuspecting people, most often tourists. The scammers dress in monk robes and claim to be building a temple, offer a petition to sign, or give out a bracelet or medallion in exchange for a donation. The scammers, typically men but sometimes women, dress in the orange robes of Buddhist monks with shaved heads. They approach a target and offer a shiny medallion or a plastic bracelet, and then ask for a donation, showing the target a list of signatures of previous donors. If the person hesitates or shows no interest, the items are quickly taken back. The scam has been documented in New York City (where it is common in Times Square and on the High Line), San Francisco, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and London. Many Westerners are not able to discern between real monks and scammers. The Buddhist Council of New York, which represents about two dozen Buddhist temples, has made posts on...

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