If you’re going to lie, then lie big.

A fake countess jailed for five years for conning victims out of their life savings has been ordered to pay back £850,000 by a London court.

Elda Beguinua’s wealth was supposedly so vast its value could only be described in court as “300 followed by 41 zeros”, Southwark Crown Court heard. She also claimed to be related to the Hapsburg and Bourbon royal dynasties.

The 63-year-old, from Dulwich, south-east London, was convicted of seven counts of deception and jailed in July.

via BBC NEWS

The judge:  “When she tells me there are 22 caves in the Philippines guarded by 10,000 workers, guarding a treasure of trillions of pounds in precious gems and gold I do not believe her.”

Pretty astute judge…