A Surprise for the Swindlers Behind the Elderly Lady
The crooks were delighted when a frail, ninetyyearold woman opened the door for them. Yet, just behind her, a massive dog named Gaston appeared
Sophie Marceau was certainly old, but she kept up with the times. At ninety, she chatted with her grandchildren on Skype and paid her bills over the internet. Why waste my time standing in line at the post office? she would say.
She had buried her husband twelve years earlier. The only companionship she had was a fellow senior dog, Gastona quirky name her late husband had chosen. Every morning and evening, neighborhood residents saw Sophie strolling slowly, cane in one hand, Gastons leash in the other. The leash was mostly a reassurance; despite his impressive size in younger days, Gaston had never bitten anyone.
Sophie knew that isolated seniors were prime targets for scammers. She first heard about it from her grandchildren, then from the local precinct chief, and later from articles she read online. A few months earlier, a friend had called in tears, describing how shed been swindled out of her savings.
So when a knock sounded at her door, Sophie grew wary. Two people in their twenties stood therea young man and a young womanclaiming to work for social services.
I didnt ask for anyone, Sophie snapped, eyes narrowed.
Its us who came to you, the boy replied with a wide grin. Tell me, did you buy anything at the pharmacy last month?
Of course. At my age I visit the pharmacy as often as the grocery store! Ninety isnt a joke! Sophie answered, ready to list her purchases and their purposes for hours.
The youngsters, however, werent interested in that.
Youre eligible for a state compensation! Its a new government program. Let us in, fetch your receipts, and well verify everything, the girl offered.
Sophie smiled to herself. She recognized the ploy: strangers enter, one distracts while the other rummages through the house.
Thats exactly what happened. The pair stepped into the living room, and the girl asked Sophie to accompany her to the kitchen for a glass of water.
Of course, dear! Sophie replied. And you, young man, Gaston will keep you company, she added with a grin.
At that moment, Gaston, awakened and alert to the strangers, entered. Despite his advanced years, his imposing stature was still intimidating.
Sophie and the girl left the room. Gaston approached the young man slowly, fixing him with an intense stare.
Try to search the house and Ill bite your head off, seemed to be the dogs warning. The boy froze, too scared to move.
Unsurprisingly, after that reception the pair suddenly remembered an urgent matter and hurried out.
And the medication compensation? Sophie asked, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
Well get back to you, the girl stammered, making a beeline for the door.
Sophie watched the visitors leave with a stern gaze, shut the door, praised Gaston, and called the police to report the socalled social agents.
A Twist for the Con Artists Lurking Behind the Old Lady
