'Catch Me If You Can' as elusive as ever
Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale Jr. in 'Catch Me If You Can' (Getty). Getty
He was one of the FBI's most wanted targets and the inspiration behind the film Catch Me If You Can - but despite committing his crimes more than 30 years ago, Frank Abagnale Jr. remains as elusive as ever.
The former serial fraudster turned 9 Stories down when we asked for an update on his job as anti-crime campaigner working with FBI as well as other clients.
"He has absolutely no interest in being interviewed," his office told us.
Oddly enough, in the 'Recent articles about Frank Abagnale' section on his site are several interviews the former aviator has granted the media, including one as recently as January 2014.
According to Abagnale's office, these articles were "done at the request of one of his clients."
These clients include the Central Florida Auto Dealers Association, The Canadian Society of Forensic Science and the United States League of Savings Institutions.
His servicing of clients has caused mixed reaction.
"I have a problem with that," Detective Superintendent of the Fraud and Cyber Crime group in Queensland Brian Hay told 9 Stories.
"It sort of sends a mixed message because he's a fellow who's crossed the criminal line and was made to look very flamboyant by Leonardo DiCaprio in that movie – but now charges tens of thousands for a public appearance or a lecture. It's still all about money."
Abagnale's story is the stuff of legend. At 16, he posed as a pilot, before masquerading as a doctor, a lawyer and a teaching assistant. He was eventually arrested and jailed in France and then Sweden before being deported to the US, where after serving five years of his 12-year sentence, he was paroled on the condition that he helped the FBI uncover cheque forgers.
Now, Abagnale divides his time between teaching companies how to reduce fraud and public speaking arrangements. He has also released four books, including Catch Me if you can.
Based on his experience in this field, "All fraudsters are motivated by money," Det. Supt. Hay said.
"It's all about them. They're highly charismatic, very good communicators and able to get people on side. Most of the time we find they are either sociopaths, psychopaths or both."
Author: Natasha Lee, Approving editor: Simon Black
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