If it sounds too good to be true, Bernie Madoff probably devised it:

Today's New York Times reports on the list of folks who replied to Bernard L. Madoff's "Nigerian scam" as it was made public in bankruptcy-court filings. The reporters are chuckling, but the biggest laugh comes at the expense of Madoff's own lawyer. Yup, he was suckered in by the con along with thousands of other folks, some of whom make up a who's who list of sports, political, and entertainment personalities. Oh, yeah, Lary King's in the group too.

If you're feeling ghoulish, you can view the list here.