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Fake Monks Targeting People For Cash In San Francisco Scam

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) -- Fake monks in downtown San Francisco are allegedly targeting unsuspecting people for money in a scam for signatures on a petition.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the monks roaming the city's financial district and Union Square area.

Dressed in long brown or orange gowns, the men and women give people a beaded bracelet and then ask them to sign their "peace petition." Once the victim has signed, they are directed to write down their monetary donation.

If the person refuses, the scammer presses them for cash, the newspaper reports. If the person doesn't hand over money, the scammer snatches back bracelet. No arrests have been made linked to the scam.

© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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