1973: Proof of desperation! John Paul Getty III's kidnappers mailed his severed right ear to a Rome newspaper. Why? To convince his multi-millionaire grandfather, J. Paul Getty, to finally pay the ransom. Initially, the family suspected a prank. After months and a ransom reduction from $17 million to $2.9 million, Getty Sr. relented, but only loaned the money to his son at 4% interest. Talk about a 'loan shark'! Getty Sr. reportedly haggled with the kidnappers over the ransom amount, arguing it

At 16, wealthy heir John Paul Getty III was infamously kidnapped. Caught in a stand-off between ruthless criminals and one of the world's richest men, Getty survived the horrific experience—but fate had a much crueler twist in store. | Factinate