'I technically died': British YouTuber fakes death for Rs 4,300 airline refund

However, before completing the process, Max Fosh sought advice from his legal counsel.

Maximilian Arthur Fosh—better known as Max Fosh—sparked a global stir after orchestrating a legal loophole involving his own death to reclaim a 37.28 GBP (approximately Rs 4,300) refund for a flight he had missed. In a recent video titled “I Technically Died”, the 30‑year‑old admitted: “Two months ago, I booked a flight. A flight I then couldn’t go on. When I tried to apply for a refund, I found a cheeky legal clause that airlines use that lots of people fall foul of… The submissions? Code that doesn't even run… I technically died.”

Fosh explained that many airlines categorically refuse refunds for cancellations or non-refundable tickets—unless the passenger has died. On researching, he stumbled upon this clause while on a customer service call and described himself as “incredibly petty”, stating that the airline in question was “a big, bad” one he preferred not to name.

To obtain the refund, Fosh embarked on an unusual mission. He contacted the Principality of Seborga, a self‑declared microstate in Liguria, northern Italy, known for its unrecognised status, own flag, currency, and monarchy. Their officials agreed to issue him a death certificate and even invited him for a state visit.

Arriving in Seborga, Fosh met Princess Nina Menegatto, toured the territory, and received a formal death certificate confirming his demise. Armed with this document, he submitted his refund claim to the airline, which proceeded to request his bank details—effectively agreeing to process the refund.

However, before completing the process, Fosh sought advice from his legal counsel. The lawyer, heard in a phone call included in the video, stressed: “It’s not fraud, but it is fraudulent… normally I would let you, but this time I really have to put my foot down.”

Following this stern warning, Fosh opted to pause the refund and advised viewers not to replicate his actions. He acknowledged that though legally retrieving his own money, the act bordered on falsification.

This unconventional refund stunt follows Fosh’s earlier viral acts—such as erecting a fake “Welcome to Luton” sign at Gatwick Airport in 2022, which garnered significant media attention, and being associated with the “I don’t know my fruits” meme on Instagram .

The Daily Dot also observed that while the airline initially accepted the certificate, Fosh did not ultimately retrieve the money, prompted by legal advice. They further suggested that had he pursued the refund, he might have breached Section 2 of the UK’s Fraud Act 2006—“Fraud by false representation”—though the airline’s acceptance raises questions about the certificate’s legitimacy.

In closing, Fosh reminded his audience: “Join me next time, where I try to commit less fraud.”