Frank Abagnale’s Lies Revealed | The Real Story Behind ‘Catch Me If You Can

Dec 6, 2024

In this conversation, Javier Leiva, host of the Pretend Podcast and expert on con artists, reveals the shocking truths behind Frank Abagnale's notorious fabrications. They discuss how Abagnale, far from the suave criminal depicted in film, was actually imprisoned while claiming to be a pilot and doctor. Leiva draws parallels between media portrayals and real-life fraud, critiques how Abagnale's inflated mythos shapes public perception, and highlights the psychological thrill of deception that entices both criminals and audiences alike.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Fraud Reflections: Truth vs. Media

02:59 • 7min

The Importance of Memory: Truth vs. Fabrication

09:40 • 2min

Unmasking Frank Abagnale

11:25 • 15min

The Deceptive Life of Frank Abagnale

26:02 • 15min

The Thrill of Deception: Myths, Lies, and Personal Narratives

41:27 • 4min

Reinventing Identity: The Life of Con Artists

45:14 • 5min

Revisiting the Truth Behind Deception

50:26 • 19min

Unmasking the Con: The Life of Matthew B. Cox

01:09:42 • 10min

Frank Abagnale is one of the most notorious con artists in history and the inspiration behind Steven Spielberg's film Catch Me if You Can, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. He claims that before his 19th birthday, he successfully performed cons worth millions of dollars by posing as a Pan American World Airways pilot, a Georgia doctor, and a Louisiana parish prosecutor. But this is a complete embellishment. As Javier Leiva of the Pretend Podcast found out, Frank Abagnale was actually in PRISON while he supposedly carried out these elaborate cons. Javier Leiva is the host of Pretend Podcast https://pretendradio.org/ and can also be found on his new YouTube channel at @PretendPod Javier's Channel https://www.youtube.com/@PretendPod/videos Javier's Website https://pretendradio.org/category/pretend-podcast-con-artist-episodes/the-real-catch-me-if-you-can-frank-abagnale/ Follow me on all socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidetruecrime/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattcoxtruecrime Do you want to be a guest? Send me an email here: insidetruecrime@gmail.com Do you want a custom "con man" painting to shown up at your doorstep every month? Subscribe to my Patreon: https: //www.patreon.com/insidetruecrime Do you want a custom painting done by me? Check out my Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/coxpopart Listen to my True Crime Podcasts anywhere: https://anchor.fm/mattcox Check out my true crime books! Shark in the Housing Pool: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0851KBYCF Bent: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV4GC7TM It's Insanity: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KFYXKK8 Devil Exposed: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TH1WT5G Devil Exposed (The Abridgment): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1070682438 The Program: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0858W4G3K Bailout: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bailout-matthew-cox/1142275402 Dude, Where's My Hand-Grenade?: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXNFHBDF/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1678623676&sr=1-1 Checkout my disturbingly twisted satiric novel! Stranger Danger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSWQP3WX If you would like to support me directly, I accept donations here: Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/MattCox69 Cashapp: $coxcon69