Frank W. Abagnale, Featured Speaker

Frank W. Abagnale, a former con artist extraordinaire whose crimes inspired the memoir and movie Catch Me If You Can, is one of the world’s most respected authorities on forgery, embezzlement, and secure documents. After a five-year international crime spree, he was arrested at age 21 for cashing millions in fraudulent checks worldwide and posing as a doctor, lawyer, and airline pilot. Following his five-year prison term, he was released after agreeing to help the FBI as an expert on fraud. 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 cop fast on his heels.

Mr. Abagnale has now been associated with the FBI for over 30 years. More than 14,000 financial institutions, corporations and law enforcement agencies use his fraud prevention programs. 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 gone from a man in hiding to a man in the public eye 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. His is a true morality tale that takes the listener from the depths of despair to the triumph of personal redemption.

In 2004 Mr. Abagnale was selected as the spokesperson for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA). He has also written numerous articles and books including The Art of the Steal, The Real U Guide to Identity Theft, Catch Me If You Can and Stealing Your Life.