3) Monopoly Scam: Between 1995 and 2000, McDonald’s Monopoly sweepstakes were rigged, making it nearly impossible to win the advertized top prizes. A group of insiders tasked with running the sweepstakes stole the most valuable game pieces, netting over $24M. The sweepstakes generates a 6% increase in monthly sales (nearly 150% globally) when run. Thanks to the dreams of customers who flock to the game despite astronomical odds: 1 in 618M for the $1M prize and an average return of -66% per $1 spent.
