PLAUSIBLE ROGUES

Hokitika Guardian, 30 August 1932, Page 2

PLAUSIBLE ROGUES

WARNING TO HOUSEWIVES. N-fW TYRE OF SWINDLES,

LONDON, August 27,

New types of swindlers are reported to be at work in various parts of Britain, and within the past few months many thousands of women haye been victimised by these plausible rogues. In the Birmingham area, for instance a well-dressed young man lias been reaping a financial harvest by a simple trick, He represents himself as an agent for . a fictitious organisation selling . a household utility. This man will talk pleasantly to the woman of the house for a ; while, then he will ask her if she will be kind enough to fill in her name and address on a special form, so that he can satisfy his employers that he has called. Her sympathies thus appealed to, the unsuspecting woman falls into the trap, and signs.

But when the young man knocks at the door a week later, the charming manner is absent. He produces the form the woman had signed and informs her brusquely that the first instalment is due on the article she ordered. Then she sees to her amazement that she has committed herself, iiTher own handwriting, to purchase an article priced at fifteen guineas. Too Late she realises that when she signed the form’ the top portion was concealed. In vain the woman tells the swindler that a mistake has been made. He demands instant payment of the first instalment, three guineas, upon which he says the machine will be delivered. Harshly the young man tells her “to pay up or he will be compelled to issue a summons against her.” In" most cases the woman is too terrified by this threat to argue further. She pays the money at. once rather than cause any trouble. The young man then departs and she never sees him again. Residents in 'Northern England have been warned against a middle-aged man | with a livid scar down the left side of his face. He is known to the police as “Tear-coat s Tom” on account of his peculiar occupation. This individual offers to cut the hedge for sixpence, and as this charge is reasonable and lie looks poor, he is US' ally given the job But half-wav through, he Knocks at the door, and displays a large rent in his coat. This, •he complains, was caused by a. nail in the fence. He becomes abusive and demands money for a new coat. Otherwise, he threatens, he will take instant action. Hero again, the majority of his victims, to save further trouble, pay.