![]() ![]() In 1983, Ronnie Skjoldhammer also tricked some of South Africa's top businessmen, who ran a company called De Bond Corporation, into handing diamonds worth R5.5 million to him. Ronald then gave him a painting with an estimated value of £0.5 million, which later turned out to be worthless (Independent, 2000). He was then persuaded to write two further cheques to the diamond dealers, which he instructed his bank not to cash. In pursuit of the diamond deal, Brendan travelled to the UK, Amsterdam and twice to South Africa. After the payment had been made to associates of Ronald, another man came forward and threatened to enter into legal proceedings to keep the box of diamonds unopened unless he was paid a further £250 000 which Ronald owed him. He was promised a substantial share of the diamonds and hoped to make £3 million on the deal. Brendan agreed to make a payment, withdraw the £400 000 cash from two banks in London and hand it over at a hotel in London. According to him, the money was needed to buy the diamonds but that the box could not be opened without the authority of another man called Johnsey, who wanted prior payment. Ronald apparently owned the diamonds which he claimed he had smuggled out of Angola in 1973 on behalf of an exiled president. ![]() In 1982, Brendan was persuaded to part with more than £400 000 in cash to help open a box of diamonds in Amsterdam. One of his victims was Brendan Murtagh, a large shareholder and former director of an Irish building company. ![]() This time a South African diamond dealer and conman by the name of Ronald Skjoldhammer was behind the whole scam. More than a century later, another big diamond investment scam made headlines. When Philip and John cashed out, John had swindled $100 000 out of investors and Philip $550 000 minus expenses! Both men were indicted in California for fraud, but they were never brought to trial (Blust, 2020). ![]() In late 1870, the two cousins made San Francisco financier and businessman, George D Roberts believe that they had access to a variety of uncut diamonds and within no time he and his friends fell for the cousins’ stories and invested. History books reveal a variety of incidents, including what was referred to as the Great Diamond Hoax - a scam by two Kentucky swindlers, Philip Arnold and John Slack. Scams involving diamonds already started during the diamond rush during the mid- to late-1800s in various countries including South Africa and the USA. Over the years diamond investment scams have increased and as a result, more scammers have joined the market. Although investing in diamonds is an excellent opportunity to make profit, there is a chance that investors can be scammed out of their investment (Brown, 2021). But be aware: some individuals in the diamond industry are scam artists who want to get their hands on eager investors’ money.ĭiamond investment scams happen when big profits are promised to people who invest in diamonds. In addition, they also make worthy investments. For most people diamonds are associated with celebrating significant life events such as marriage. Diamonds are not only one of the most beautiful gemstones, it is also the most durable substance known to mankind. ![]()
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