Reports made to police amid 'monk' scam in Auckland

Police says they have received reports of a person dressed as a monk pressuring people into giving donations.

There has been a rise in online reports of individuals dressed as monks fundraising aggressively in Auckland and other parts of the country.

Members of the public have told RNZ about strange interactions with people handing out religious-looking tokens then asking for money, while others described the approach as aggressive and confrontational.

In June, police told RNZ they had not received any reports, but have now confirmed they received two late last month.

"Information was reported after the fact about interactions on Queen and Beaumont streets," a spokesperson said.

"We continue to encourage people not to engage with anyone who might be trying to run this scam, and to report any instances to police."

Auckland Council said it was yet to receive a formal complaint, but recommended members of the public not engage, and instead contact police.

In 2015, the New Zealand Herald reported on an alleged Chinese syndicate recruiting fake charity 'monks' to target pedestrians abroad and that that year, police had spoken to at least three "begging monks" in Auckland and Wellington.

The New Zealand Buddhist Council had also spoken out, wanting to protect the dignity and reputation of monks amid the re-emerging scam.