A Surprise for the Scammers Behind the Little Old Lady
The scammers were delighted when the door was opened by a frail little old woman in her nineties. But suddenly, behind her, appeared a massive dog named Winston
Dorothy Whitmore was elderly but sharp as a tack. At ninety, she kept up with her grandchildren on WhatsApp and paid her bills online. Why waste time queuing at the post office? she often said.
Dorothy had buried her husband twelve years earlier. Only the company of Winston, her equally aged doga name her late husband had chosenbrightened her days. Every morning and evening, the neighbours would see Dorothy shuffling along with her walking stick in one hand and Winstons lead in the other. The lead was mostly for showWinston had never bitten anyone, despite his intimidating size back in his prime.
Naturally, Dorothy knew elderly women living alone were prime targets for scammers. Her grandchildren had warned her first, then the local constable. Shed even read articles online about it. Months ago, a friend had called her in tears, swindled out of her life savings.
So when the doorbell rang, Dorothy hesitated. Two youngsters in their twenties stood therea man and a womanclaiming to be from social services.
I didnt ask for anyone, Dorothy said sharply.
Were reaching out proactively, the young man flashed a toothy grin. Tell me, have you bought anything from the chemist in the last month?
How could I not? At my age, Im at the chemist more than the grocery shop! Ninety years dont come easy, Dorothy retorted, ready to prattle on about every pill and potion shed ever taken.
The pair didnt seem interested.
You qualify for a government refund! Its a new scheme. Let us in, show us your receipts, and well check everything, the young woman urged.
Dorothy smiled to herself. She recognised this trickone distracts while the other rifles through the house.
Exactly what happened next. They stepped into the sitting room, and the woman asked Dorothy to accompany her to the kitchen for a glass of water.
Of course, love! And for you, young man, Winston here will keep you company, Dorothy said sweetly.
Then Winston, roused yet watchful of the strangers, made his presence known. Despite his years, his sheer size was enough to unsettle anyone.
Dorothy and the woman left the room. Winston lumbered closer to the man, fixing him with a steady glare.
*Try sneaking around, and Ill take a chunk out of you,* the dogs stare seemed to say. The young man didnt dare move a muscle.
Needless to say, the pair suddenly remembered an urgent appointment and scrambled for the door.
What about that government refund? Dorothy called after them with a sly grin.
Well be in touch, the woman stammered, already halfway down the path.
Dorothy watched them go with a stern look, shut the door, gave Winston a fond stroke, and rang the police to report the so-called social workers.