Today police are appealing for information about the bogus caller and urging people to be vigilant when answering the door to strangers.
The man struck at 1.30pm on Monday in Bridge Street, Shaw.
After the woman opened the door, he distracted her by making up a story about wanting to buy a caravan parked up near her home. But when he left, she realised her handbag and cash had been stolen.
Detective Constable Paul Cockburn, of Oldham CID, said: "This woman is vulnerable because of her health problems, and that would have been clear to this burglar.
"What he did was sneaky and mean and it has left his victim feeling angry, humiliated and extremely distressed.
"It is vital that he is caught, so I'm appealing to anyone who may have any information that could help us track him down to call us."
The man was white, 45 and 50, around 5ft 7ins with brown wavy hair. He was wearing a dark blue anorak.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 8951 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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