The Biggest Fraud on TV

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How Major Fraud Was Committed on the TV Show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire"

Step 1: Introduction to the Show

• The show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" was a sensation in the UK, with about 19 million viewers tuning in at its peak.
• Contestants had to answer a series of increasingly difficult questions to win a million pounds.

Step 2: Major Charles Ingram's Unlikely Win

• Major Charles Ingram managed to win £1 million on the show, despite appearing unsure of many answers.
• Suspicion arose due to the statistical improbability of guessing correctly multiple times in a row.

Step 3: The Cheating Scheme Unfolds

• Ingram was accused of cheating with the help of his wife, Diana, and a fellow enthusiast named Adrien.
• They devised a simple plan where Charles would read out the answers, and coughs would signal the correct option.

Step 4: The Discovery of Irregularities

• After the show, suspicions were raised due to the high number of coughs recorded by microphones in the studio.
• The show producers reviewed the tapes and confronted Ingram about the irregularities.

Step 5: Trial and Conviction

• The case went to trial, and all three defendants, including Ingram, were found guilty of fraud.
• Despite maintaining their innocence, they faced public scrutiny and humiliation.

Step 6: The Consortium's Exploitation of the Show

• Petty Spooner and Keith bergus formed an underground syndicate called the Consortium to help people get on the show and maximize their winnings.
• They used various tactics, including stalling, practicing with buzzers, and rerouting phone calls during the show.

Step 7: Legal Implications and Consequences

• The Consortium managed to secure 200 spots on the show and won a significant portion of the prize money.
• While their actions were not illegal, the lives of the Ingram family were severely impacted, leading to public humiliation and financial ruin.

Step 8: Conclusion and Reflection

• The fraudulent activities on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" shed light on the vulnerabilities of game shows and the lengths some individuals would go to for financial gain.
• The case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of cheating and the importance of upholding integrity in competitive environments.