'Monks' target shoppers, demanding money for bracelets and trinkets

Police in Auckland are warning people not to engage with people dressed as monks reportedly demanding cash for bracelets and discs. Photo: Supplied

Wellington shoppers have been left bemused, frustrated, and angry by an alleged group handing out religious-looking tokens then asking for money.

Members of the public have told RNZ the interaction was strange, while others described the approach as aggressive and confrontational.

Some took to social media in April, warning others of the behaviour and likening it to 'fake monk' scams previously reported in Auckland in 2015 and overseas.

Police told RNZ then that they hadn't received reports of that nature, but Lower Hutt's Queensgate mall said security removed and trespassed a person trying to sell bracelets about a month ago.

Immigration New Zealand said it has not received any complaints relating to faith-based scams involving migrants.

Now police in Auckland are warning those in the city centre not to engage with people dressed as monks reportedly demanding cash for bracelets.

There's only one space left in the sprawling Lower Hutt mall car park, but as Sue* pulls in, a man is suddenly in front of her.

She waves him away through the window and he responds by brandishing some "gold-painted discs".

"He was speaking in ... I guess his own language ... and he was trying to force these little gold discs on me."

She managed to shake him off at the entrance to Queensgate Shopping Centre, but after her shop he was once again standing in front of her, but this time he had some black beads.

Ultimately, the man was escorted out by security and according to Sue, crossed the road and joined a group of others.

A spokesperson for Queensgate Shopping Centre confirmed an individual trying to sell bracelets to visitors was removed by security and trespassed last month.

According to posts on social media there have been similar incidents between shoppers and individuals with bracelets played out in car parks across the wider Wellington region in the past few months.

Some have described odd or uncomfortable interactions with men and women asking for money in exchange for beads or little cards.

After telling the man in the Queensgate car park she didn't want beads or discs, Sue said she found her way blocked.

"He wouldn't let me walk forward ... I got in my car and he starts tapping on the window of my car.

"I was just angry that I couldn't get away from him. He was just being a nuisance. I wasn't afraid of him.

"But it was very, very insistent. Standing right in front of you very close, face-to-face."

Welli