A Surprise for the Con Artists Behind the Old Lady
The scammers were delighted when the door was opened by a frail ninety-year-old woman. But suddenly, behind her, loomed an enormous dog named Winston
Margaret Whitmore was old, yes, but sharp as a tack. At ninety, she kept up with her grandchildren on Skype and paid her bills online. Why waste time queueing at the post office? shed say.
Margaret had buried her husband twelve years earlier. Only the company of her equally elderly dog, Winstona peculiar name her late husband had chosenbrightened her days. Every morning and evening, the neighbours saw Margaret shuffling along, her cane in one hand and Winstons lead in the other. The lead was mostly for show, though; Winston had never bitten anyone, despite his imposing build, especially in his younger years.
Naturally, Margaret knew that elderly women living alone were prime targets for scammers. Her grandchildren had warned her first. Then the local bobby. Later, shed read articles online. Months ago, a friend had called in tears, swindled out of her life savings.
So when the doorbell rang, Margaret was wary. Two young peoplea man and a woman in their twentiesstood there, claiming to be from social services.
I didnt ask for anyone, Margaret said, eyeing them sharply.
Were here to help, the man flashed a toothy grin. Tell me, have you bought anything from the chemist this past month?
How do you mean? Of course I have. At my age, Im in the chemist more than the grocer! Ninety years dont come cheap! Margaret couldve listed her purchases and their side effects for hours.
But the pair werent interested.
Youre eligible for a government rebate! Its a new scheme. Let us in, fetch your receipts, and well sort it all out, the girl chimed in.
Margaret smiled to herself. She recognised the trickstrangers in the house, one distracting while the other rifles through your things.
And so it went. The couple stepped into the sitting room, and the girl asked Margaret to join her in the kitchen for a glass of water.
Of course, love! And for you, young man, Winston will keep you company, Margaret said sweetly.
Thats when Winston, drowsy but alert to strangers, made his presence known. Even in his old age, his sheer size commanded respect.
Margaret and the girl left. Winston padded slowly toward the man and stared, unblinking.
*Try to snoop, and Ill take your hand off*, his gaze seemed to say. The man didnt dare move.
Needless to say, the couple suddenly remembered an urgent matter and scrambled for the door.
What about that medicine rebate? Margaret called after them, grinning.
Wellwell be in touch, the girl stammered, nearly tripping on the step.
Margaret watched them go with a steely look, shut the door, gave Winston a pat, and dialed the police to report the so-called social workers.
