Scam in United KingdomOn the street
False monk donation requests in United Kingdom
How it works
People claiming to be Tibetan monks seek donations. The money may instead support a local criminal group.
Warning signs
- Someone claiming to be a monk approaches you for money.
- You cannot verify who receives the donation.
How to avoid it
- Decline street donation requests you cannot verify.
- Donate later through a charity you have checked yourself.
If it happens to you
Stop further payments and leave. Report threats or suspected fraud to police.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or confront anyone carrying a weapon.
- Call 999 or 112 if you are threatened, injured or being held against your will. For a crime that does not need an emergency response, call 101.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about unauthorised or forced payments. If your phone was stolen, lock it remotely and contact your mobile provider.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and payment records. Write down the location, time and what happened while you remember it.
- Report the incident to the relevant police or transport staff. Ask for a report reference and contact your insurer.
- If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate through its official contact details.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News2016Warnings over 'fake' Buddhist monks hassling London tourists for moneyTourists describe men dressed as monks demanding donations for tokens and becoming aggressive when payments were refused or considered insufficient.Read on News
- Redditr/Buddhism2019Got tricked by a conman dressed as a Buddhist monk, need advice on dealing with it mentallyA visitor reports being deceived by a man dressed as a Buddhist monk near Abbey Road in London.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/glasgow2024Fake Chinese/Tibetan monk scamA Glasgow witness describes supposed monks offering items as free while concealing the donation amounts requested in a notebook.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the false monk donation requests scam in United Kingdom?
People claiming to be Tibetan monks seek donations. The money may instead support a local criminal group.
How can I spot it early?
Someone claiming to be a monk approaches you for money. You cannot verify who receives the donation.
How do I avoid false monk donation requests in United Kingdom?
Decline street donation requests you cannot verify. Donate later through a charity you have checked yourself.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop further payments and leave. Report threats or suspected fraud to police.
Where in United Kingdom does this happen?
Brixton. It has been reported in London.
How common is this scam in United Kingdom?
Occasional. The United Kingdom is generally safe to visit, but tourists can face theft, street cons and misleading prices. London has several scams aimed at visitors, including rigged street games, ticket-machine theft and costly currency exchange. Watch your phone, refuse pushy offers and check prices before paying.
Are there similar scams in United Kingdom?
Yes: cup and ball betting game, pushy performers and paid-photo demands, free flowers and lucky heather demands.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 999 or 112 for an immediate serious threat to life or safety. Ask for the service you need and give your exact location, including the town or city. Local police: call 101 to report a crime or concern that does not need an emergency response. In London, the Metropolitan Police covers most of the city; the City of London Police covers the City of London. British Transport Police: speak to an officer or station staff about railway incidents. For the tissue-selling scam on trains, text 61016 when above ground. ATM premises or bank: tell staff if a machine has suspicious attachments or appears altered. Also report it to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Do not try to remove a device. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number to freeze cards and report suspicious, unauthorised or forced payments. Mobile provider: use the provider's official contact channel to report a stolen phone and block the SIM. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need document assistance. Travel insurer or rental company: report the loss through their official claims or support channel. Keep the police reference, receipts and supporting records.
What number do I call in an emergency in United Kingdom?
Emergency police, ambulance, fire and rescue: 999, Alternative emergency number: 112, Non-emergency police: 101.
Reviewed by @snuck