A Surprise for the Con Artists Behind the Old Lady
The swindlers were delighted when the door was opened by a frail, ninety-year-old woman. But suddenly, behind her, appeared an enormous dog named Winston
Edith Clarke was certainly elderly, but sharp as a tack. At ninety, she kept in touch with her grandchildren over Skype and paid her bills online. “Why waste time queuing at the post office?” shed say.
Edith had buried her husband twelve years earlier. Only the companionship of an equally ancient dog, Winstona name her late husband had chosen, much to her amusementbrightened her days. Every morning and evening, the neighbours would see Edith, shuffling slowly with her cane in one hand and Winstons lead in the other. The lead was mostly for show; Winston had never bitten anyone, despite his formidable size, especially in his younger years.
Naturally, Edith knew that elderly women living alone were prime targets for scammers. Her grandchildren had warned her. Then the local constable. Then shed read articles online. Months ago, a friend had called in tears, swindled out of her life savings.
So when the doorbell rang, Edith was wary. Two youngsters in their early twenties stood therea lad and a girl. They claimed to be from social services.
“I didnt call for anyone,” Edith said, eyeing them sharply.
“Oh, were reaching out to vulnerable residents,” the lad grinned. “Tell me, have you bought anything from the chemist last month?”
“How do I put thisof course I have! At my age, Im at the chemist as often as the corner shop! Ninety years isnt nothing!” Edith could have listed her purchases and their side effects for hours.
But the pair didnt seem interested.
“Youre eligible for a government refund! New scheme. Let us in, fetch your receipts, and well sort it all out,” the girl chirped.
Edith smirked to herself. She knew this trickstrangers waltzing in, one distracting while the other rifles through your things.
And so it went. The pair stepped into the parlour, and the girl asked Edith to join her in the kitchen for a cuppa.
“Of course, love. And for you, young man, Winston will keep you company,” Edith said sweetly.
Thats when Winston, roused but ever watchful, made his entrance. Even in his dotage, his grizzled bulk was imposing.
Edith and the girl left the room. Winston ambled over to the lad and stared, unblinking.
“Try anything, and Ill have your hand,” his gaze seemed to say. The lad didnt dare twitch.
Needless to say, the pair suddenly remembered an urgent appointment and scrambled for the door.
“What about that government refund?” Edith called after them, eyes twinkling.
“Wellwell ring you!” the girl stammered, already halfway down the path.
Edith watched them go with a steely glare, shut the door, scratched Winston behind the ears, and dialled the police to report these so-called “social workers.”
