Officials at historic tourist spot warn of 'fake monk mafia'

BOSTON (AP) - Visitors to one of Boston's top tourist destinations are being asked not to give money to what officials have dubbed "the fake monk mafia."

Faneuil Hall Marketplace General Manager Joe O'Malley told The Boston Globe (http://bit.ly/2ae4ADO) that officials have received complaints about individuals "dressed in monk garb" who are suspected of being insincere in their fundraising efforts.

Visitors to the historic shopping district have reported being approached by people dressed in orange garments offering bracelets and asking them to sign a notebook before demanding a donation.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace management has posted signs that read: "Do not give money to the fake monk mafia!" and "These are not real monks" along with images of people dressed in orange robes.

The marketplace is located in downtown Boston.