In the early 1920s, a former Scottish actor named Arthur Ferguson pulled off one of the most audacious real estate swindles in history. Having suffered a career setback on stage, Ferguson turned to real-life performance art by targeting wealthy tourists visiting London. Spotting a wealthy American tourist admiring Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, Ferguson approached him pretending to be an official agent representing the British government.
He convincingly explained that Britain was deep in war debt and forced to secretly sell off famous landmarks. The tourist eagerly bought Nelson's Column for 6,000 pounds. Emboldened by his success, Ferguson expanded his enterprise.
He proceeded to sell Big Ben for a 1,000 pound deposit and even managed to sell Buckingham Palace for a 2,000 pound down payment. Knowing the law would eventually catch up with him in London, Ferguson set sail for the United States to find fresh targets. In Washington D.
C. , he leased the White House to an Australian tourist on a 99-year contract at 100,000 dollars per year, collecting a hefty deposit upfront. His luck finally ran out in New York City while attempting to sell the Statue of Liberty to an Australian cattleman.
The buyer grew suspicious and contacted the police, leading to Ferguson's arrest. He served five years in prison, but after his release, he retired to Los Angeles where he lived comfortably off his remaining illicit fortune.