A Surprise for the Scammers Behind the Old Lady
The scammers were delighted when the door was opened by a frail ninety-year-old woman. But suddenly, behind her, appeared a massive dog named Winston…
Margaret Turner was certainly elderly, but sharp as a tack. At ninety, she kept in touch with her grandchildren over video calls 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 an equally old dog, Winstona name her late husband had chosenbrightened her days. Every morning and evening, her neighbours would see Margaret walking slowly, her cane in one hand and Winstons lead in the other. The lead was more for show; Winston had never bitten anyone, despite his imposing sizeespecially in his younger years.
Naturally, Margaret knew that elderly women living alone were often targets for fraudsters. Her grandchildren had warned her, the local constable had reminded her, and shed read articles online. Months earlier, a friend had called in tears after losing her savings to a scam.
So when the doorbell rang, Margaret was wary. Standing there were two young people in their twentiesa man and a woman. They claimed to be from social services.
“I didnt call for anyone,” Margaret said, eyeing them sharply.
“Were reaching out to you,” the young man beamed. “Tell me, have you bought anything from the chemist recently?”
“Well, of course. At my age, Im at the chemist as much as the greengrocers! Ninety years isnt nothing!” Margaret could have listed every purchase and its effects for hours.
But the pair didnt seem interested.
“Youre eligible for a government refund! Its a new scheme. Let us in, fetch your receipts, and well sort it all out,” the woman coaxed.
Margaret smiled to herself. She knew this trickstrangers enter your home, one distracts while the other rummages through your things.
Thats exactly what happened. They stepped into the sitting room, and the woman asked Margaret to join her in the kitchen for a glass of water.
“Of course, dear! And for you, young man, Winston here will keep you company,” Margaret said sweetly.
Then Winston, roused but alert to the strangers, made his entrance. Even in his old age, his presence was formidable.
Margaret and the woman left the room. Winston slowly approached the young man and stared him down.
*”Try anything, and Ill take a chunk out of you,”* his gaze seemed to say. The scammer didnt dare move.
Needless to say, after that welcome, the pair suddenly remembered an urgent matter and hurried to leave.
“What about that refund for the medicines?” Margaret asked with a sly grin.
“Wellwell be in touch,” the woman stammered, rushing for the door.
Margaret watched them go with a stern look, shut the door firmly, gave Winston a pat, and called the police to report the so-called “social workers.”
In the end, wisdom and a loyal companion proved far stronger than any deceita lesson the scammers wouldnt soon forget.
