Frank Abagnale, a former con man turned fraud expert and author of "Scam Me If You Can," highlights alarming trends in scamming today, notably that millennials are more susceptible than seniors. He shares eye-opening insights into various scams—from romance to investment fraud—and reveals sophisticated tactics used by scammers. Frank emphasizes the importance of vigilance and education to protect oneself, discusses the rise of cryptocurrency scams, and explains why he's never trusted debit cards. A must-listen for safeguarding personal finances!
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Life of Crime
Frank Abagnale ran away from home at 16 and had to survive on the streets.
He altered his driver's license to appear older and began writing checks, eventually leading to a life of crime.
question_answer ANECDOTE
From Con Man to Consultant
After being imprisoned in France and Sweden, Abagnale was offered a deal by the U.S. government.
He would work for a federal agency in exchange for his release, leading to his long career at the FBI.
insights INSIGHT
Technology's Impact on Scams
Scams remain fundamentally the same, but technology makes them easier and more impersonal.
Modern scammers can operate remotely, eliminating emotional barriers and increasing their potential reach.
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Simple Strategies to Outsmart Today's Rip-Off Artists
Frank Abagnale
Frank Abagnale's "Scam Me If You Can" offers practical advice on avoiding modern scams. It details various types of cons, from romance scams to investment fraud, and provides insights into the psychology of scammers. The book emphasizes recognizing red flags and building awareness to protect oneself from financial exploitation. Abagnale shares his unique perspective as a former con man, offering valuable insights into the methods and tactics used by fraudsters. The book serves as a comprehensive guide for consumers of all ages to safeguard their finances and personal information.
When you think about people getting scammed, you probably think of the elderly getting conned out of money over the phone.
But my guest today says that Millennials are actually more likely to get scammed than senior citizens, and in fact, anybody of any age can get conned. He should know: he's a former con man himself. His name is Frank Abagnale and his early life in which he forged checks and assumed various identities, including that of an airline pilot and doctor, was made famous by the movie Catch Me If You Can. After he served time for his crimes, he dedicated the next 50 years of his life to helping the government and businesses fight fraud. His most recent book, Scam Me If You Can: Simple Strategies to Outsmart Today's Rip-off Artists, aims to educate regular citizens about the most common scams out there and how to avoid them. Today on the show Frank gives us the inside dirt on a bunch of different modern cons, from romance scams to investment fraud to scams involving rental properties. He reveals the insidious ways that scammers have gotten more sophisticated with their cons, the red flags to look for when you're approached with one, and how to avoid getting duped. And he explains why he's never used a debit card.
The Art of Manliness 