Madoff Crafty but Dumb: New Book

Pals surprised he pulled Ponzi scheme off
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 24, 2009 8:48 AM CDT
Madoff Crafty but Dumb: New Book
In this March 10, 2009 file photo, Bernard Madoff exits Manhattan federal court in New York.   (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano, file)

Bernie Madoff was a swindler from a young age—but many acquaintances also considered him “the dumbest man on earth," says an upcoming exposé. Jerry Oppenheimer’s new book, Madoff With the Money, also reveals that the Ponzi schemer skirted 2 years of Army Reserve duty during the Vietnam War, paid off at least one female employee he seduced, and had close ties to the mob, the New York Post reports.

One folksy anecdote involves Bernie wearing two gold Rolexes on one wrist, so that he would know the time in his London office. “Think about that—Bernie couldn't do the addition or the subtraction!” says a pal. (More Bernard Madoff stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X