Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Who wants to be a millionaire?

Thursday 02 January 1997 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Who wants to be a millionaire? Joe Tagiliarini did. And he was the first person to "cash in" on a million-pound policy against alien abduction.

But he discovered that the appearance of riches, doesn't always bring benefits. After receiving more than 300 calls from the media around the world about his claim, as well as nuisance calls, he has had to go ex- directory.

Mr Tagiliarini and Simon Burgess, an insurance underwriter, decided to con the media. Mr Burgess would announce that his company was offering a policy against alien abduction; Mr Tagiliarini would say he had bought a policy, and "claim" against it. But yesterday Mr Burgess admitted: "The whole thing has been fabricated."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in