Go back

The Kid from Seattle

Episode number: 1

Overview: Seven million Pepsi Points to win a fighter jet? It should have been impossible. But 20-year-old John Leonard sees the ad in 1995 — and finds a loophole.

Let’s Make a Deal

Episode number: 2

Overview: John and Todd perfect their scheme. They send in their Pepsi Points and their check, and wait. The Pepsi executives scramble, and the lawyers descend.

The Bad News Bears

Episode number: 3

Overview: The Pentagon has to issue a statement. Scammers start to circle. To win this case, John needs to go to trial in the court of public opinion.

Landing the Plane

Episode number: 4

Overview: Interviewees recall a 1992 campaign in the Philippines that went so awry, it led to riots and deaths. In 1999, John's court battle reaches a conclusion.