Before there was internet fraud and phone scams there were always swindlers.

Female swindlers too.

Discover the stories of women from the past who not only survive but thrived as con artists and thieves.

How did they use their feminine characteristics

to swindle in a world where men made the rules.

Join me Lucy Worsley, historian and author,

and my all female team in Lady Swindlers,

wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is in paid partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions.

Now, the things we choose to tell our parents, grandparents, or in fact any

elderly friend or relative, well they can be a bit selective at times. Don't pretend

you're not sure what I'm talking about. I bet everyone has something popping

into their head which they've decided is best to just not tell that person about.

Okay so for me here's something my mom doesn't know about. I never told her that during a trip to New Zealand a few years ago

I was centimetres away from being crushed by a rock slide. It was whilst I was hiking up a mountain.

It was Misty and I lost the trail. With my mom already worrying with myself being the other side of the world

You can understand how that event didn't make it into future conversations

Now we've all got something we haven't told our parents or grandparents as sometimes it's just easier that way. But

here's something you really do need to let them know. Thousands of people over the age of 66 are missing out on pension credit worth on average

3,900 pounds a year.

Plus, they could also be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment if they apply by December 21st.

We are on a mission to make sure that everyone who is eligible is also in the know.

...