Ya’ll may have been hearing about the scams going around targeting elderly men? Several local law enforcement agencies are conducting investigations into what appears to be a big ring allegedly operating in our area.
Well, Monday morning one of Rockdale’s elderly customers stopped by the Courtesy Ford dealership over on Dogwood. He looked at some of the vehicles in the showroom, and after whispering to his “friend” big smiles lit up their faces.  Otis with his very attractive, young bubbly blonde at his side suddenly rushed out of the dealership and headed to the local jewelry store. Old Otis runs a few head of cows over on his hard scrabble ponderosa in a Rockdale County. He is a confirmed bachelor.
Old Otis told us that he had strolled into a jewelry store in town on  a Friday evening with a goal in mind. The woman with him wore a form fitting dress and way too much makeup. In spite of their age difference, she was hanging all over Otis.
He told the jeweler he was looking for a special ring for his lady friend. While the jeweler raised his eyebrows a bit, he kept his suspicions to himself. The jeweler looked through his stock and brought out a $5,000 ring. Shaking his head, Otis said, “I’d like to see something a bit more special.”
With $$$$ in his eyes, the jeweler went to his special stock and brought another ring over. “Here’s a stunning ring at only $40,000,” he said. 

The woman’s eyes sparkled and her whole body trembled with excitement. Smiling fondly at the blonde, Otis said decisively, “I’m not cheap. I’d be the laughing stock at the country club. Do you have anything more, well, pricey?”

The jeweler got excited and whisked off to his safe. Meanwhile, the blonde planted sweet kisses about Otis’ neck. Her nostrils flaring and eyes dancing with romance, she whispered in his ear.

It was at that moment the jeweler returned. “Sir, I hope I haven’t outdone myself. This ring is… “

“Doesn’t matter what it costs. I want that one” Otis said, determined.

“Sir this ring is $100,000 dollars. Naturally you must know the price of what you’re buying.”

“We’ll take it,” Otis said.

The jeweler asked how payment would be made and Otis stated, “By check. I know you need to make sure my check clears so I’ll write it now, and you can call the bank in Olde Town on Monday morning to verify the funds and I’ll pickup the ring Monday afternoon.”
On Monday morning, the jeweler phoned Old Otis and nervously said, “Sir, your bank in Rockdale just advised me there are insufficient funds in your account to cover your check. Are you sure it was Rockdale County? Are we talking about Conyers, Georgia?”