Fake Buddhist monks are the new squeegee men of New York

[Disir]

They’re holy terrors.

Bands of beggars dressed like Buddhist monks have invaded the High Line and other city parks, demanding upwards of $40 from tourists — and officials are fed up.

...Other faux friars were spotted on smoking breaks, trying to hide the unchaste behavior near a subway entrance. Two napped on library ledges.

The masquerading monks are largely Chinese nationals who return to Flushing flophouses with their day’s earnings, sometimes changing out of their robes on the subway, before gathering at a local restaurant for a meal that usually includes alcohol, according to one observer.
Fake Buddhist monks are the new squeegee men of New York New York Post

I'm actually surprised we haven't seen this sooner.

 

[amrchaos]

You never heard of professional beggars?

You can make more money "pan-handling"(upward to 100 an hour) than most jobs--of course, you need to lack a conscious to do this.

 

[Disir]

I've just never heard of them dressed as Buddhist Monks.

 

[amrchaos]

Nor have I

I wonder what they say to people in order to gain money? $40 dollars off one hit up? That is a lot of money to give to a homeless person for a meal.

 

[OZman]

Seems to be a universal problem.

Men impersonating monks ripping off thousands in charity scam Daily Mail Online