Watch out for a scam where people dressed up as Buddhist monks pressure you into making a donation. Swinburne University student Tara Siri, 21, said she was walking with friends down Spring Street last month when a monk approached them bowing his head and smiling, before pushing a plastic hologram picture of Buddha into her friends hand and asking for cash. First she was like Oh, I dont have any money but then he kept smiling and handing her the picture. She got out her wallet and handed out $2, but he wanted more. He really put the peer pressure on, Miss Siri said. Consumer Affairs Victoria has identified the scam and Buddhist Council spokeswoman Susan Wirawan, who has also been approached, said the organisation has received numerous complaints in the past six months. Monks do go out on the road and looks for alms, but usually they accept food. They dont go out soliciting (money).
Posted on: Mon, 26 May 2014 10:10:01 +0000
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