Dodgy cleric scams women in Melbourne

A man dressed as a monk has been scamming victims out of cash in Melbourne.

Police say the dodgy cleric has been approaching women in South Melbourne and the inner city area, handing out cheap jewellery or gold-coloured cards and requesting donations.

When victims hand over a small amount of cash, the man becomes aggressive and asks for $50 or $100.

On one occasion he's believed to have snatched a woman's purse when she was reluctant to donate.

The offender is described as being of Asian appearance, aged in his 60s, balding and wearing a light grey robe.