67-year-old Colombian woman makes money selling neighbourhood gossip; she carries a notebook, collects evidence, also takes payment to keep her mouth shut

Colombian woman sells neighborhood gossip. (Photo: Gulf Today)

Gossip may be free, but a 67-year-old woman in Colombia claims she has found a way to turn neighbourhood secrets into a lucrative business, one that she says has helped her buy two houses. Miryam, who lives in Armenia in Colombia’s Quindío department, has gone viral after describing herself as a professional “chismosa”, a Spanish term commonly used for someone who gossips.In an interview shared by content creator Lady Daniella, as reported by Gulf Today, Miryam explained how she turned her habit of listening to what people around her were saying into a source of income. Her unusual profession has since attracted attention online.

How does she make money from gossip?

Miryam said she keeps a close watch on what happens in her neighbourhood and records details in a notebook so she does not forget them. She said she can appear to be engaged in one conversation while simultaneously listening to what is happening around her. “I can be here talking with you, but my little ears are well positioned to listen to what people are saying,” she said in the interview.But Miryam claims she does more than simply collect rumours. She cross-checks information with other people before passing it on, describing her method as connecting the dots between different sources.She also reportedly maintains photographs and other material that she says support some of the information she has gathered.

Some secrets cost more

Miryam’s alleged earnings depend on the nature of the information.According to Gulf Today, she charges between 5,000 and 10,000 Colombian pesos for less sensational pieces of gossip. More sensitive information can reportedly command significantly higher amounts.Miryam recalled one particularly valuable case involving a man she claimed was being unfaithful to his wife whenever she travelled. She said she was paid 700,000 Colombian pesos to keep the information confidential.

‘Gossip is my life’

Miryam appears to have embraced the unusual nature of her profession. “Gossip is my life; it runs through my blood,” she said.Though she now has competitors, she is not concerned about the pool of gossips.” Wherever you go, there’s gossip, so it will never end. In every respectable neighbourhood, there’s a gossip, and if you don’t know a gossip, then you are the gossip”