High Line warns of fake monks aggressively panhandling in park

THE HIGH LINE, Manhattan (WABC) -- The group behind Manhattan's High Line is recruiting visitors to help stop aggressive panhandling by people dressed as monks.

The Friends of the High Line said it is just as frustrated as visitors are with regard to the panhandlers.

"While panhandling itself is legal in New York City-and therefore legal along the High Line-it crosses the line when our trusting park visitors are touched or their paths are blocked," the organization posted on its website.

Plenty of visitors have sounded off on social media about these people:

And don't think that you're going to get a free blessing from them:

Some people have even posted their own warnings. Darren Fiorello wrote, "Don't take junk from the monk."

One person came up with her own theory on the people who talk with the panhandlers. Do you think there's some truth to it?

The Friends of the High Line said the only way to combat the aggressive incidents is by reporting them. Flag down a Parks Enforcement Patrol officer in the park, or reach out directly to the group via email with detailed information about what happened: visitorservices@thehighline.org