A Rock Hill, South Carolina woman was swindled out of $175 on Sept. 9th, as she was leaving her local Burger King. According to the Rock Hill Herald, Queen Strickland, 84, was conned by a man who fancied himself a mechanic/liar. Apparently, 36 year-old Donald Ray Altman (not actual photo) approached Ms. Strickland, informing her that her Buick was leaking water, and that meant she needed a new water hose. He then had her drive him to an auto-parts store where she gave him $40 for the hose. They then drove to an ATM so she could pay him an additional $135 to fix the car. Finally, they headed back to Burger King, where Altman walked away with the money...and Queen's dignity.
Queen then stated,
"I've learned a lesson. I really have."
-I don't even know where to begin here. I find it fascinating that the elderly are so gullible. I have seen this first hand, as I have had to explain to my Nana that she will not win a trip to the Bahamas by clicking on a pop-up ad and that Microsoft will not send her a check for $2,000 if she forwards a chain email.....Sigh.
Ms. Strickland, where is your common sense? One minute, you are enjoying a healthy, balanced meal at your local BK, the next, you are handing a stranger $175 in cash to repair a faulty hose he detected while your car was parked?!? Also, isn't it common knowledge that air conditioning units in cars drip water when they are running? Aside from all that, she let a strange man into her car with her!
It is sad that Ms. Strickland lost her money, and it is despicable what Mr. Altman did...But seriously, should this woman even be driving? If she falls for this lame act, she very well could be convinced that stop signs are now optional. I bet she even has a drawer full of ShamWows at her house.
Footnote: My favorite part of the article was a quote from Detective Keith Dugan, who is handling the case. Dugan has a knack for stating the obvious,
"This guy targeted elderly people because he knew they probably wouldn't be as perceptive."
Duh.
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