I remember a friend who's dad knew somebody from school who had a great way to make money. He would 'guarantee' he could get somebody into one of their top 3 schools because he had inside contacts. If he was unsuccessful he would return the money as part of his guarantee (he did actually do this, it wasn't a total fraud).

The brilliance was that he did nothing. If the person got in he would keep the money. If not, he would return the money!