Page:London spy, or, The frauds of London described (3).pdf/16

 be enabled to prevent any future attempts of the like nature upon them by these pests of society. This new species of knavery, carried on by Swindlers appears specious in itself, the practisers thereof setting themselves up for men of property and integrity, the more easily to defraud the unwary and ignorant out of their substance and effects; to obtain which, among many, the following is practised: A number of them, being connected together, take a genteel house in a reputable part of the town, and divide themselves into classes of master, clerks, out-riders, shopmen, porters, and servants. From their making a shew of opulence, they easily obtain credit, and lay in goods of every kind, which they send into the country, and sell or barter for other commodities, which they bring up to London and sell for ready money, generally taking in exchange double the quantity, and paying for the same with notes of their own drawing, indorsing, and fabricating for the purposes of cheating the poor deluded farmer, shop-keeper, and tradesman, in the interior parts of the country. With respect to tradesmen in town the goods they take of them on trust, they dispose of to Jews,