Thursday, July 23, 2009

Scam Artist

This is incredible and true. I was out walking the dog over in the newer, more affluent neighborhood across from my own sort of affluent street this afternoon. And one of the home owners comes running from his backyard over to the dog and me.

"Hey," he says, "do you have any grandchildren?"

I said , "no", and laughing, asked if he had some to give away.

No, but he did have a really good story to tell me.

A few weeks ago a nice young man stopped by, introduced himself as my "grandson". He asked if the gentleman knew me, his grandmother. The young man said I often walked my dog, a black lab, over on this street. Of course, the neighbor did know me and my charming dog.

Well, as a wonderful and generous grandmother, I was sending my "grandson", a recent college graduate, to Europe for a year to study. But I wanted him to do something to "pay back" my generosity. I wanted him to sell magazines and books door to door and give the money he earned to charity. (well, now, that sounds like me, right?) (NOT)

The neighbor doesn't need any magazines or books. No problem. My "grandson" will send the entire amount to whichever children's hospital the neighbor chooses. So he writes a check.

Next day, my neighbor reads in the local paper about a scam artist in the next town. He calls the police in that town. They are concerned and tell him to see if the check has cleared. They refer him to the police in our town. Who don't care. (now that's a big surprise --- NOT)

So, I'm wondering how many of the nice people in this neighborhood have been scammed by my "grandson". And do they actually think he was my "grandson". And do I need to go door to door and apologize and write checks to reimburse them for any losses.

On the one hand, I am embarrassed and feel violated. On the other, I am intrigued by the thought that this well to do, retired executive thinks I have the financial resources to send my "grandchildren" to Europe for a year, all expenses paid.

How much do you think it would cost to send a grandchild to Europe for a year? Perhaps I should send myself.

5 comments:

Annie said...

Yikes,Joanne, what a frightening weird situation!

: )

dee said...

Holy Crap! It's a little freaky that the guy was watching enough to know that you are a regular walker in the neighborhood. Is that a little stalking/like???
Glad you have a big dog. Maybe you should carry a big stick too.

Deborah Boschert said...

I cannot believe he was referencing you and Riley. Awful. But, I'd say your neighbor was a bit naive. Really... magazine sales is the oldest trick the in book.

Life Scraps and Patches said...

What a story -m fascinating and scary at the same time.

gema said...

I am speechless! This person has probably seen you around!!!Hope he wasn't watching you unawares. He must be very familiar with your area. I hope he comes to your door to 'sell' you his trick, and then you can call the police on the 'grandson'. Wow!