How to Get Away with Stealing (2012)
In the 2012 documentary titled How to Get Away with Stealing, produced by VICE, viewers are thrust into the murky world of fraudsters who thrive on deception and illicit gains. The film delves into the unapologetic mindset of individuals who turn to a life of crime to make a living, showcasing the British fraud industry in all its audacious glory.
VICE paints a vivid picture of this shadowy realm, revealing the inner workings of a criminal subculture that operates with brazen confidence. If the fraud industry were a sovereign nation, it would boast the fifth-strongest economy globally, surpassing even the United Kingdom. The staggering scale of this underground economy becomes apparent as we meet the protagonists—men and women who manipulate systems, forge documents, and exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain.
The documentary introduces us to these modern-day swindlers, who navigate a treacherous landscape of deceit. Their methods range from identity theft and credit card scams to elaborate Ponzi schemes. As we follow their exploits, we witness the adrenaline-fueled rush of outsmarting institutions and evading justice. These fraudsters operate with a blend of cunning and audacity, driven by a hunger for wealth and a disregard for the consequences.
While the film doesn’t romanticize their actions, it does offer a glimpse into their motivations. Some seek revenge against a system they perceive as corrupt, while others revel in the thrill of the con. The allure of ill-gotten gains proves irresistible, drawing them deeper into a web of lies and subterfuge.
Through interviews, surveillance footage, and real-life examples, How to Get Away with Stealing exposes the paradoxical allure of criminality. It challenges our notions of right and wrong, leaving us questioning the thin line between desperation and opportunism. As the documentary unfolds, viewers grapple with uncomfortable truths about human nature and the lengths some will go to survive in a world where morality is negotiable.
In this gripping exploration of fraud, VICE sheds light on a hidden economy—one fueled by deception, ambition, and the audacity to defy the law. Whether we condemn or empathize with these modern-day Robin Hoods, one thing remains clear: the allure of getting away with stealing persists, even as society grapples with its consequences
