People

Frank Abagnale

Frank Abagnale

Formal First Name
Frank
Link
Dates
1948 - present

Frank Abagnale is one of the world’s most respected authorities on forgery, embezzlement, and secure documents. For over 40 years he has worked with, advised, and consulted with hundreds of financial institutions, corporations, and government agencies around the world. Abagnale has conducted over 3,000 seminars on identity theft, cybercrime, and fraud worldwide. More than 14,000 financial institutions, corporations, and law enforcement agencies use Abagnale's fraud prevention programs.

  • Frank Abagnale gained notoriety all around the globe for his fraudulent crimes.
  • More than 50 years ago, he was an infamous con man, check forger and impostor, alleging to have taken no lesser than eight identities, including a United States Bureau of Prisons agent, a physician, a lawyer, and an airline pilot.
  • He escaped twice from police custody and before starting to work for the federal government.
  • He spent less than five years in prison. 
  • His riveting story provided the inspiration for Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film, Catch Me If You Can, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Abagnale and Tom Hanks as the FBI agent fast on his heels.
  • He is a faculty member at the National Advocacy Center (NAC) which is operated by the Department of Justice, Executive Office for United States Attorneys.
  • In 1998, he was selected as a distinguished member of “Pinnacle 400” by CNN Financial News–a select group of 400 people chosen on the basis of great accomplishment and success in their fields. 
  • He has also written numerous articles and books including The art of the Steal, The Real U Guide to Identity Theft, and Stealing Your Life.
  • He refuses to accept payment for any of his government work.
  • The majority of his income derives from consulting with major corporate clients such as LexisNexis, Intuit, and Experian.
  • He lectures extensively at the FBI Academy and for the field offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 
  • As a highly sought-after and provocative keynote speaker, he takes audiences on a hilarious and poignant journey of his time as a criminal being pursued and speaks of his personal transformation.