No matter how careful we may be, cheats, crooks and muggers always find, invent new tricks to rob decent, fragile, elderly people. Unfortunately time has come when so many of us find it difficult to trust anyone. The latest trick is to show kindness, offering a £5 note to an elderly person laden with shopping, pretending that we have dropped it. Instead of handing it over, the crook would offer to put it in your purse or wallet.
They are extremely well dressed, with suit and tie, so smart, so clever with their hand tricks that if you fall for it and give your purse, he will cleverly remove one or more £20 notes, as well as your credit cards. Before you realize and cancel your card, it will already be used several times, so often on valuable items like Rolex watches, costly iPad, mobile phones and such items they could easily dispose of on dodgy web site.
Another scam operated is near bus stop or train and tube stations with direct link to Heathrow or any other airport, widely used by passengers flying in from overseas, laden with heavy suitcases. If an old couple, especially an elderly lady on her own, struggling with her luggage is offered a helping hand by a well-dressed gentleman.
He would take over one of the suitcase and walk either well back or right in front with some distance between the two. Suddenly a car would stop in front of him; he would put the suitcase in the car, get in and drove away. It happens so quickly, in the blink of an eye that he is gone even before you realize what has happened. It is better to be safe than sorry, never trust any stranger and always be on your guard, somewhat draconian but advisable. We all think this could never happen to us, as we are so careful. But in reality, we are no match to these professional crooks.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
