A man posing as a Buddhist monk is aggressively panhandling in downtown Victoria, prompting police to investigate whether he is the same person who sparked complaints in Vancouver and Toronto.

Beat and bike officers responded to a complaint about a man in “Buddhist-style clothing” who was handing out gold cards, then demanding money, Victoria police spokesman Bowen Osoko said.

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Some people were so taken aback, they gave the man $20, he said. When approached by officers, the man, who is of Chinese descent and appears to be in his 40s, claims to not speak English. Officers also dealt with him a few weeks ago.

“There’s lots of indications this person is not a monk,” Osoko said. Police are looking at similar incidents in Vancouver and Toronto, and there’s a possibility the man has worked his way west, leaving cities as police catch onto him.

In Vancouver, reports surfaced about scammers dressed in traditional robes forcing people to take a small bead bracelet as a gift, then opening a notebook with names of people who had donated funds.

The bogus monks pretended to not speak English, but made gestures with their arms to communicate that they wanted money.

Similar incidents in Toronto happened in the city’s Chinatown in August last year.

Real Buddhist monks will accept donations, but do not solicit money on the street.

It is against City of Victoria bylaws to aggressively panhandle.

“People are in the giving spirit, the holidays bring out the best in people,” Osoko said.

“What’s frustrating about [the scammer] is not only is it illegal, but they’re taking away from other legitimate charities in our community.”

Police said anyone who encounters the imposter should report it immediately.

kderosa@timescolonist.com