How to make half a million dollars
Step #1. Stage an abduction.
Step #2. Wait for the height of a media frenzy.
Step #3. Show up with a bizarre story raising lots of questions.
Step #4. Cash the check.

New York superagent Judith Regan has bought the rights to the life stories of runaway bride Jennifer Wilbanks and her fiance after offering them $500,000...

Oh yeah, and you'd better be a white woman.

I have no doubt that a scam like this could be pulled off on the media. It would take a little planning, and some creative twists, and a willingness to frighten and humiliate your family. Done right you could hold out for an even million. Way better odds than the Powerball.