Genius People Who Beat The System - Part 3

It’s not always easy, but human beings are constantly coming up with new, inventive, and often hilarious, ways to beat the system. From the Titanic’s sneakiest survivor, to the kid who faked his way into meeting his idols, let’s check out some genius people who beat the system.

Parking Between Parking Zones

Parking fees are one of the worst things about owning a vehicle in a city. But this bike owner found a way to get around it: by following the rules to the nearest foot.

Parked up between two parking zones, it looks like this brave-hearted biker isn’t afraid to fit into a tight space if it means free parking. You can only hope a passing ticketing officer didn’t stick them with a fine just for being so bold.

He Changed A Wikipedia Page To Sneak Backstage

When you’re a big fan of a band, you’ll go to great lengths for a chance to hang out with your idols. But Australian David Spargo, a fan of the band Peking Duk, exhibited a stroke of pure genius when he decided to find a way backstage at a gig.

With no hope of gaining a backstage pass through conventional means, David turned to Wikipedia for a chance to meet the band. Changing Peking Duk’s Wikipedia page to list himself as family to the band, he flashed the updated page to security, hoping it might convince them to let him in. Amazingly, security bought it, and let him right on through to the backstage area.

Once there, he met the band and explained his entry methods over a few beers, much to the band’s amazement. Peking Duk were so impressed, they even posted about the escapade online, and later called David "the definition of a legend" in an interview. They say you should never meet your idols, but for David Spargo, his fan encounter couldn’t have had a more legendary result.

Fan Banned From Stadium Hires Crane To Watch His Team

Music fans aren’t the only people who are willing to bend the rules for the things they love. After a soccer fan in Turkey was banned from attending his favorite team’s home grounds, he got creative to really send the message of his fan loyalty home. Hiring a crane for the best view in the house, he headed to the skies, allowing him to watch his favorite team play an important match for free. As long as you don’t factor in the 354 liras, or $50, for the crane hire costs.

He Pretended To Be Moroccan PM To Get Restaurant Reservation

When it comes to people pretending to be someone they’re not for personal gain, the father of Reddit user SillyAmerican is king. When the Redditor’s old man found himself unable to get a booking at a busy local restaurant, he called again, this time posing as the Prime Minister of Morocco. Why he went for that particular fake identity is unclear. But, regardless, it worked!

The restaurant cleared a slot for the Redditor’s father, giving him the best seat in the house upon arrival. The restaurant’s bamboozled chef even requested him to sign a plate. Committed to the character, the master of deception obliged, and even snapped a picture to commemorate the moment he played the system in the most spectacular of ways.

Stefan Černetić, The Self-Claimed Prince Of Montenegro And Macedonia

It’s one thing to impersonate a public figure for one night, but some deceptions of this kind last years and with much higher stakes. This next tale takes us to south-eastern Europe, where we find Stefan Černetić, Prince of Montenegro and Macedonia or so the elite circles of Europe believed for years.

Like any other Prince, he spent much of his time making public appearances all over the European continent, on behalf of the two countries he supposedly represented. Nobody ever questioned the prince’s credentials, and he was even seen regularly handing out recognition awards to celebrities. But, it turned out, all those awards bestowed by the prince were about as valuable as used toilet paper, because he wasn’t actually a prince. In fact, there was no prince of Macedonia, and the Montenegrin Foreign Ministry claimed never to have heard of the supposed official!

Investigations by various European governments found the so-called prince to be nothing more than an extremely brazen conman, assisted by an equally-audacious, unnamed companion. While he was ultimately caught, arrested, and charged with fraud, you can’t fault this guy for the effort. After all, to fool an entire continent for years, in order to live like a prince, seems like a seriously ballsy way to play the system.

He even made a website, albeit one that hurts the eyes to look at. But if you ever give fake royalty a try, just make sure not to get caught, because sometimes the system comes around to play you right back.

Using The Dog To Deliver The Phone Charger

Some say the mark of a true genius is doing things the smart way, not the hard way. If that’s true, then the mother of this Twitter user must be the Einstein of her generation. Rather than taking her daughter’s phone charger down to her, she simply tied it around the dog, who was upstairs with her, and told her daughter to call him down. So, the Twitter user called him down, and the good boy arrived right on time, providing a very reliable, and very cute, delivery service.

Nikola Lulić: He Pretended To Be A Sailor And Survived Titanic

The RMS Titanic, which famously sunk in the North Atlantic Ocean in 1912, is well-known as a tragedy for the lives lost. But one of its survivors owed his life to a heaping handful of devious deception. Nikola Lulić, a Croatian on a journey to work as a miner in the USA, boarded the ship as a third-class passenger. Unfortunately, when disaster struck and the ship began to sink, third-class passengers were a low priority for the limited spaces on the ship’s vastly insufficient lifeboats.

Staring inevitable death in the face, and defiantly saying "not today", Nikola found a way to secure himself a seat. He snatched a cap belonging to a sailor, and ran off to secure himself safe passage using his new disguise. It worked, and he boarded a lifeboat to safety, going on to live another 50 years. While his methods may seem a little shady, Nikola Lulić proved that a third-class ticket is no obstacle in the hands of a first-class hustler.

Fake Wristbands

If you’ve ever been to an event at a nightclub, or any kind of organized event, you’ve probably encountered a type of entrance wristbands, the ones that trap your arm hair in the adhesive and yank it off like an overly-eager beautician.

Thanks to the minimal, simple design of these wristbands, and how commonly used they are, a Reddit user spotted an opportunity for some clever counterfeiting. With nothing more than some strips of paper, a green highlighter, a pencil, and a pen, Redditor GentleGamerz created convincing knock-offs and successfully conned their way into a party.

It’s only when you look closely that you see those indentations where the adhesive would usually sit are nothing more than pencil scribblings. But a quick entrance ensured GentleGamerz was never suspected for a second, and I can only commend this valiant effort at self-invitation.

Couple Turns Halloween Costume Party Into Surprise Wedding

True rule-breakers don’t just receive invitations; they apply their commitment to shaking things up to the invitations they give out, too. Like the parents of Twitter user Lexie Rossler, who, in the early 90s, sent out invitations to a costume party at a venue on Halloween. The guests all turned up, in a spectacular array of costumes, only to find they’d been duped! It wasn’t just a Halloween party; it was Lexie’s parents’ wedding!

The happy couple had no interest in the classic type of ceremony and reception, and didn’t want the financial burden, so they decided to step outside of the box. Insisting everyone kept their outfits on, it made for some incredibly unique wedding photos, as the confused guests had no choice but to pose in-costume.

DIY Laser Hair Removal

When an Imgur user’s wife asked him to pay for laser hair removal for Christmas, he decided to get inventive to avoid shelling out for a costly procedure. So, combining dad humor with a can-do, DIY attitude, he came up with the DIY invention in the image below.

While technically you can’t deny it’s a tool for hair removal with added lasers, his wife was less than thrilled. But at least her aim would be better from now on. Although that also means she’d have better aim to throw the contraption back at its creator.

Stealing Apples During The Great Depression

Heading back in time now to Victoria, Australia in the 1930s, at the height of the global economic crisis that shook the world, known as the Great Depression. The great grandma of Reddit user Frofthy was, like many of her time, doing whatever she could to put food on the table. But with so little food to go around, she was forced to turn to less-than-honest means.

For her, this meant slipping down to the local apple farm, where she’d confidently stroll on in, posing as the farm owner’s daughter. Of course, the farm owner had no daughter, but thanks to some serious luck, no one she encountered ever questioned her identity. With no suspicion aroused, Frofthy’s relative would steal crates full of apples, claiming her father had requested them for "quality control", and would walk straight out the front door unhindered.

The risk was extremely high, as others caught stealing had been handed jail sentences and hefty fines for doing so. But, desperate times call for desperate measures, and when you’re as skilled at acting like you’re doing what you’re supposed to as she was, you make it work. She even did the same thing with the milkman’s deliveries to the farm!

When he arrived, she’d hide in the bushes at the front gate, wait for the milkman to approach the door, and pilfer a crate while he was distracted. With her cunning, she was able to sustain herself and her family throughout the hardships. According to Frofthy, she’d always end the tale with a valuable insight: “if you think you’re about to get in big trouble... just pretend you were allowed to do what you did”. With enough confidence, you’d be surprised how often that works.

This Cafe Ingeniously Disguised Its B Health Inspection Grade

When things don’t go to plan, sometimes it’s just a matter of changing perspective. Like when Astor Row Cafe in Harlem, New York received a B hygiene rating instead of the first-rate A they were hoping for.

But instead of hiding their less-than-stellar rating from customers, they went for an approach that was simultaneously completely honest and totally deceptive. They just added a bunch of other letters below the B-rating sheet, spelling out "SUNDAY BRUNCH", and turning their shortcomings into an advertising opportunity. That’s how you make the best of a brunch situation.

Using Legos As Landmines

It’s not just adults that are masters of beating the system, kids make for some of the greatest rebels around. Just take a look at Twitter user Stephanie Ortiz’s daughter, who was snapped by her mom ensuring no one would be taking her turn on the computer.

Utilizing tactics that really ought to be declared as war crimes, the inventive kid sprinkled her Legos all over the surrounding floor. Anyone who stepped too close would be met with a type of pain in their feet usually reserved for the tortured souls in the deepest circles of Hell. And, frankly, it’s a stroke of genius.

Kid Logic

When a similarly resourceful young fellow was tasked with training his family’s new puppy, his parents suggested looking up training tips on YouTube. In a stroke of hilarious, outside-the-box thinking, the boy cut out the middleman entirely, and was snapped showing his puppy the videos first-hand.

While the little pup seems engrossed in the screen, the success of the technique is yet to be confirmed. Just don’t be surprised to catch him surfing the web past his bed-time.

Another bright idea with a slightly flawed delivery came after a little girl’s parents told them no sugary soda was allowed in the house. So, with a commendable, but undeniably hilarious, effort, the kid stripped the labels off of a soda bottle and added her own. With labels denoting zero sugar’ and orange juice on a bottle full of a liquid that seems to be the epitome of sugary soda, the effort didn’t go unrecognized. Still, it wasn’t enough to fool her mom, though she did share the picture with the world of her offspring’s adorably creative approach.

Gary Vider: My Dad Was A Con Man

Some of the greatest examples of people beating the system emerge when the joint forces of child and parent unite. No other case illustrates this better than the story of Gary Vider and his ingenious schemer of a dad. Throughout the 90s, Gary’s dad would take him to big sports games, but never as a paying audience member.

Gary’s father came up with the ultimate scam: he would ring the venue ahead of time, claiming to be from "Sports Illustrated for Kids" Magazine. He’d inform the venue that a kid reporter was coming with a photographer to interview the players for an article. When Gary and his dad arrived in full costume, with cameras, lenses, and notepads, they’d be let right on in. Then, they’d go straight to the press area for the best seats, watch the game, and afterwards, mingle with stars and carry out an interview or two.

With celebrity encounters ranging from John Elway to Michael Jordan and even Bill Murray, it’s fair to say Gary felt he had the best dad in the world. Of course, little Gary was no professional, so his questions usually consisted of, “what’s your favorite food?”, but being a kid, nobody questioned it. Nobody ever questioned why the interviews never appeared in Sports Illustrated, either.

The truth only came to the surface in June 2020, when Gary detailed his adventures via an article on the official Sports Illustrated website! It looks like Gary did end up having to fulfil his journalistic obligations after all! Clearly seeing the funny side of the affair, Sports Illustrated allowed this fantastical father-and-son tale of playing the system with ultimate expertise to come full circle.

Using Pen And Paper To Disguise As Press

A similar, smaller-scale instance of phony sports journalism was shared with the internet by Reddit user Icebergelishious in 2018. Feeling too cold to stand outside while watching an American football game at the local stadium, the quick-thinking scammer spotted an opportunity. Using a pen and paper as disguise, he gained entrance to the warm, comfortable stats and press room. Once inside, a few intermittent scribbles were enough to convince officials he was supposed to be there. Certified: genius.

First Class For Free

Taking to the skies now, we have a nifty way to cop a free flight upgrade, courtesy of Reddit user TheNewYorkGod. After boarding a plane at the airport, the Redditor was frustrated to hear the plane was having technical issues, and the passengers would have to get off.

The final flight of the evening was leaving in 20 minutes, so everybody rushed to attempt to get one of the remaining 8 spots. But, with limited spaces, the 40-person-long crowd was met with nothing but disappointment, as they faced the prospect of a long night in the airport.

But the Redditor was smart. As soon as he stepped off the first plane, he rang up the airline’s reservation hotline and asked to be switched to the other flight. With his reservation confirmed, he joined the line, watching in glee as almost everyone else was turned away before him.

When he reached the desk, he was informed that all standard seats had now been filled, so unfortunately they only had first class available. Having already booked, the Redditor was put in first class free of charge. In his own words, he laughed and laughed all the way to the free booze and peanuts.

Richard Ankrom: The Artist Who Secretly Fixed LA Freeway Sign

While it’s impressive to see someone play the system to their own personal gain, people who play the system for the greater good of their community are in a class of their own. One particular Robin Hood-like figure of this kind is Los Angeles artist, Richard Ankrom.

After missing his exit while driving along L.A.’s 110 freeway, he realized the highway signs had no indication of an exit to the I-5 North, which undoubtedly caused frustration for other unfamiliar drivers. Years later, Richard was driving the same stretch, and noticed that the sign still hadn’t been modified with the important information.

So, he took things into his own hands. Using his skills as a painter, he made a sign for the I-5 himself. By carefully measuring, color-matching, cutting and painting, he produced a near-perfect replica of an interstate sign. Then, with the authority automatically granted by a hard hat and high-visibility jacket, Richard climbed the sign, and set his work in place.

Guerrilla Public Service 2011 by ankrom

His masterpiece stayed there, helping travelers for almost a decade, before it was officially replaced with a sign that, amazingly, kept Richard’s modifications! Richard: you’re a true highway hero.

Using KFC Bucket As Cup

Being a local hero is great and all, but sometimes you just have to look out for you. The guy in the image below got the right idea to serve himself some proper hydration, by using a KFC bucket as a cup. You can’t fault his boldness, but if this is a regular occurrence, he may end up getting a free side of diabetes with his jumbo cup.

Sneaking Flask Into Prom Disguising As Handbag

Other thirsty folk with a penchant for rule-breaking apply their skills to the obstacle of "no alcoholic beverages allowed". Like Eleanor Clarke, a British teen who took an alcohol-filled hip flask to her prom that was so large, she was able to disguise it as a clutch bag! With this kind of masterful deception, it looks like British Intelligence has a new recruit on the horizon.

In another hilarious example of getting drunk by any means possible, we have this fresh-baked solution. Stuffing his bottle into a hollowed-out baguette, the guy in the image below made sure he’d be able to settle his stomach with some bread in the instance he drank too much. A toast to that!

Schoolboys Wear Skirts To Protest No Shorts Policy

The male pupils of Isca Academy in England were creative when a heatwave struck in 2017. The boys took a stand after the school declared that shorts were not suitable attire, even in the heat, even though female pupils were allowed to wear skirts. Desperate for some relief from the restrictions of their full-length trousers, the lads got smart.

As there was no rule against guys wearing skirts, they raided the wardrobes of their sisters and girlfriends, and turned up looking like this. Cool legs all round, and point well and truly made. Now it’s only a matter of time before kilt uniforms hit the mainstream.

Diaper Hack To Protect Your Valuables

People who beat the system aren’t always on the wrong side of the law. The smarty-pants behind this alternative to a wallet is only looking to keep his valuables safe from criminals, and what looks like a used diaper makes for the perfect deterrent.

Because the contents of diapers don’t tend to be a source of interest for burglars, and they certainly wouldn’t expect to find dollars, cards, and keys inside! At least, not in such a clean and aroma-free condition. Just make sure you don’t use a soiled diaper if you ever give this a try.

If you were amazed at the ingenious people who beat the system, you might want to read part 1 and part 2. Thanks for reading!