The McDonald's Monopoly scam was a 12-year fraud (1989–2001) where Jerry Jacobson, head of security for the game’s marketing firm, stole top prize pieces and sold them to accomplices, siphoning over $24 million. The FBI caught the ring in 2001 after a tip, convicting over 50 people.
About the Scandal
- The Perpetrator: Jerry Jacobson, known as "Uncle Jerry," was the security director for Simon Worldwide, the company hired to manage the game.
- How it Worked: Jacobson stole high-value winning stickers before they reached restaurants, distributing them to a network of friends, family, and associates.
- The Scheme's Reach: The scam covered nearly all major prizes, including cash, cars, and vacations.
- The Investigation: Tipped off in 2000, the FBI discovered that almost all top winners were linked together. They used wiretaps and undercover, fake interviews with winners to expose the fraud.
- The Aftermath: Jacobson was sentenced to 37 months in prison and ordered to pay $12.5 million in restitution. The story was largely forgotten due to the September 11 attacks occurring just before the arrests were made public.
- Documentary: The story is detailed in the 2020 HBO miniseries McMillions.
Despite the scandal, McDonald's continued the game, and as of late 2025, it was brought back.