Frank W. Abagnale Jr.
Frank W. Abagnale is one of the world's most respected authorities on the subjects of forgery, embezzlement and secure documents. For over forty years he has lectured to and consulted with hundreds of financial institutions, corporations and government agencies around the world.
Mr. Abagnale has been associated with the FBI for over four decades. He lectures extensively at the FBI Academy and for the field offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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. 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. Today Mr. Abagnale is a member of the Board of Editors for Bank Fraud and IT Security, as well as the Financial Fraud Law Report. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the LexisNexis Fraud Defense Network, as well as an Advisory Board Member of the University of New Haven Masters in Investigation Program.
Today the majority of Mr. Abagnale's work is for the U. S. government. His company does not sell products or provide services, with the exception of his public speaking engagements, which are handled through Keppler Speakers (www.kepplerspeakers.com) in Washington, DC.
Mr. Abagnale neither grants media interviews nor comments on ongoing criminal investigations.
Mr. Abagnale believes that because punishment for fraud and recovery of stolen funds are so rare, prevention is the only viable course of action.
What's New
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October 2024. One successful Gen AI attack on your IT Help Desk could destroy your business. Frank Abagnale tells how MGM resorts were attacked and how you can avoid being the next victim.
Frank Abagnale is one of the world's most respected authorities on forgery, embezzlement, secure documents, cybercrime, and scams. For over 48 years he has worked with, advised, and consulted with hundreds of financial institutions, corporations, and government agencies around the world.
Mr. Abagnale has been associated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for over four decades. He lectures at the FBI Academy and for the FBI field offices.
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April 26, 2024. In an era where cyber threats loom large over our personal lives and global politics, Theresa Payton, the first female White House Chief Information Officer and renowned cybersecurity expert, collaborates with Frank Abagnale, the legendary figure behind "Catch Me If You Can," to kick off the update of her seminal book, "Manipulated: Inside the Cyberwar to Hijack Elections and Distort the Truth."
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May 14 & 15, 2024
Click on photo to enlargeOn May 14 & 15, 2024, Sao Paulo, Brazil: Frank Abagnale spoke at the Unico conference to 200 CISOs and fraud prevention managers from Brazilian banks and corporations.
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September 19th, 2023
Click on photo to enlargeSeptember 19th, 2023, Barcelona, Spain: Frank Abagnale speaks to 500 CEOs at the SBC Leaders' Summit. This was the world conference on online gaming. Mr. Abagnale spoke on cybercrime and threats against the gaming industry.
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Frank W. Abagnale speaks at the Dell Technology World Conference at Mandalay Bay Arena in Las Vegas on May 24, 2023 to over 4,000 attendees."Social engineering can only be defeated by education." – Cybersecurity and fraud prevention expert, Frank Abagnale discussed even in the age of advanced technology, education is our best defense against new cyber threats during a #DellTechWorld conversation on the human factor in building a secure and innovative culture.
Cybersecurity and fraud prevention expert, Frank Abagnale urges companies to reconsider cutting security budgets during economic downturns and how protecting your assets from threats is a wise investment in the long run. #DellTechWorld
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March 22, 2023
Click on photo to enlargeMarch 22, 2023. Pictured above are Greg Litster, CEO, and Gina Colquhoun, Operations Manager, of SAFEChecks. SAFEChecks is a 30-year-old high-security check printer based in Simi Valley, CA. During the past 30 years Frank W. Abagnale has worked with SAFEChecks in the security design of their business and personal checks. These checks have never been successfully counterfeited, replicated, altered, or washed. Mr. Litster and Ms. Colquhoun are standing in front of 50,000 pounds of Signature Paper designed by Frank W. Abagnale.
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On the evening of January 29, 2023 Mr. Abagnale was honored to speak at the Desert Forum in Indian Wells, California. The Forum was celebrating 31 years with over 1,800 in attendance that evening. Mr. Abagnale had the privilege to speak to this group in 2004 and returned this year by popular request. Click on the Learn More button to view the event's entire brochure.
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Passkeys
Frank W. AbagnaleIn May of this year, we saw a major announcement by the FIDO Alliance standards-body along with the platform vendors Apple, Microsoft, and Google pledging to support passkeys in the coming months.
- Passkeys are much easier to use than usernames and passwords - they aren't typed or remembered and can be easily recovered, thereby eliminating much of the password reset frustrations and cost overheads
- Passkeys are cross-device FIDO credentials that get automatically synced by the platform vendor across a user's devices (for example with Apple iCloud and KeyChain), meaning once a user has created a passkey, it’s available on all their devices.
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On January 18, 2023 Frank W. Abagnale received a Lifetime Achievement Award from InfraGard and the FBI in a ceremony at Lowe’s Tech Hub in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Click on photo to enlargeOn June 12, 2023 Frank W. Abagnale became an honorary member of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI – Atlanta Chapter. He was presented with this honor by Joseph V. Cavallo, Chairman and Al Brown, the arresting agent who took Mr. Abagnale into custody in 1970.
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For the past 17 years, Mr. Abagnale has annually produced The Fraud Bulletin. Volume 17 contains 32 pages of information on cybercrime, check forgery, identity theft and scams. Each year this publication is sponsored by various organizations such as check printers and financial institutions. Volume 17 is provided here as a courtesy of Safechecks.com. (Note: Mr. Abagnale has no financial interest in Safechecks.com and does not receive any payments or royalties from Safechecks.com.)
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July, 2022. SAFEChecks is excited to announce SIGNATURE Paper, created in partnership with Frank Abagnale.
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August 26, 2020. CATCH THE SCAM with Frank W. Abagnale. World-renowned idenity theft and fraud consultant Frank Abagnale has partnered with HomeEquity Bank of Canada to teach you how to spot and prevent the most common scams in response to the growing financial threats faced by older Canadians.
Watch the 4-part series of how to identify and protect yourself from a scam!
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The FBI exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Library runs From July 2, 2021 through January 9, 2022.
Click images below to see larger version.
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Frank Abagnale's new book is about the very latest tricks that today's scammers, hackers, and con-artists use to steal your money and personal information -- often online and over the phone. Using plain language and vivid examples, Abagnale reveals...
- The one type of photo you should never post on social media.
- The only conditions under which you should use WiFi networks at the airport.
- The best way to protect your phone from being hacked.
- The only time you should use an ATM.
Explaining his simple but counterintuitive rules to protect yourself, Abagnale also makes use of his insider intel to paint a picture of cybercrimes that haven't become widespread yet.
Published by Portfolio/Penguin ( a division of RandomHouse and available for sale on Amazon and Barnes & Noble).
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In the July 2017 issue of SmartMeeting.com, Frank was picked as one of the top speakers.
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Frank Abagnale testifies to the U. S. Senate Commerce Committee's subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security - March 21, 2017.
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WISER`s 2016 Hero Awards recognizes the work of Frank W. Abagnale. Hero Awards are given to individuals who empower women, open doors for women and improve their lives and the lives of their families. These honorees exemplify the best in public service, scholarship, advocacy, and leadership throughout the years. In a myriad of ways, these men and women have labored to give a "hand up" to women struggling for security and dignity in old age. The future looks brighter thanks to these extraordinary people, and we are proud to have honored them. This award was presented in Washington, DC on September 20, 2016.
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IndyStar May 25, 2016 article. Life not defined by youthful crime spree.
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Frank Abagnale discusses fraud, cybercrime and mitigating risk.
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AARP Bulletin, May 2016.
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Frank Abagnale and Watson discuss how IBM is tackling security for the cognitive era.
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Cybersecurity and Fraud Detection Luminary Ori Eisen Unveils Stealth Security Startup Trusona. Cybersecurity Veteran Brings World Closer to a Secure Internet with Trusona; Legendary Fraud Specialist Frank Abagnale Joins Team as Advisor. See press release dated 1/19/2016.
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Frank Abagnale speaks at CivilServiceLive on October 6, 2015 in London.
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Frank Abagnale named AARP Ambassador, 2015-2021.
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Frank Abagnale and Ori Eisen on tour for Experian in Sao Paulo, Sydney, Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Johannesburg and Milan.
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Frank Abagnale spoke to all 50 state Attorneys General at the winter meeting of the National Association of Attorneys General in Washington, DC on Tuesday, February 24, 2015. Mr. Abagnale also was the keynote speaker at the summer meeting of NAAG held in Fort Lauderdale. Mr. Abagnale talked about cybercrime, fraud and other white collar crimes.
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Frank Abagnale, keynote speaker, 2015 Medal of Honor Gala, January 9, 2015. The event was to honor all Medal of Honor recipients of which 15 were in attendance.
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Frank Abagnale was the commencement speaker at Southern Illinois University on May 11, 2013. There were 20,000 in attendance and 3,800 graduates.
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May 1, 2013 Frank W. Abagnale was the keynote speaker for the Longhouse Council Boy Scouts of America Boypower 2013 annual fundraiser. He drew the largest audience in the 48 year history of this annual event. The dinner tickets were $250.00 per person. It was a sell out, raising over $420,000.00. Fifty pure silver coins were minted for the occasion and auctioned.
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2011 Tony Award winning musical “Catch Me If You Can”.
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Catch Me If You Can the Musical. Playing at Arena Stage, Washington, DC from March 4 - April 17, 2022.
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Frank W. Abagnale joins the Advisory Board of World Wings International. World Wings International Inc., is the philanthropic organization of former flight attendants of Pan American World Airways. A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, World Wings International raises funds for a variety of charities in the United States and overseas, through CARE and through various charities sponsored by its individual chapters. World Wings also supports activities that preserve Pan Am's extraordinary history and the many contributions its flight attendants made to creating "The World's Most Experienced Airline."
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Investigating Financial Crime - A Retrospective.
Previous Highlights
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November 1, 2010 - Frank W. Abagnale signs a two year contract as a consultant to Intuit's Small Business Division. -
Frank Abagnale helped develop and design highly secure packaging for gift cards for M T & L Card Products and Fulfillment Services (www.mtlcard.com). -
Through the courtesy of Soundview Executive Book Summaries, a synopsis of Mr. Abagnale's recent book, "Stealing Your Life", is now available (click here). For more information on Soundview Executive Book Summaries, go to www.summary.com.
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Frank W. Abagnale was selected as one of the 15 Differentiators in Retail by the editorial board of RIS News. December 2006 cover story. -
Frank W. Abagnale's new book, "Stealing Your Life" is due out April, 2007 from Random House/Broadway Books. See press release for more information. -
All speaking engagements and presentations by Frank W. Abagnale are handled exclusively by Keppler Speakers (www.kepplerspeakers.com) who has represented him over 30 years. Please contact Mr. Warren Jones at (703) 516-4000 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Mr. Abagnale's office does not handle speaking engagements. -
After years of designing secure government and corporate checks, Frank Abagnale designs the SuperBusinessCheck for small to medium size companies as well as a very secure personal check for consumers, wealth, private banking and mutual funds customers. Check out www.supercheck.net -
September 04' Frank W. Abagnale joined the Editorial Board of the "Bank Fraud & IT Security Report" Published by Thomson/Pratt. -
July 2004. Frank W. Abagnale was selected as the national spokesperson by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for the "Stop. Call. Confirm" campaign to fight fake insurance. -
Frank Abagnale with the three real FBI agents portrayed in the movie "Catch Me If You Can". This photo was taken at the Atlanta FBI Field Office Steak-Out event on July 10, 2003. Left to right: Frank Abagnale, Al Brown, Joe Shea and Tom McKewon. View larger photo. View article. -
January 2002 - Frank Abagnale meets Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio for the first time at Los Angeles FBI meeting. View Image.
Interview October 2000. View Image.
Accomplishments
- Advisor to 41st Parameter since its inception in 2004. Mr. Abagnale continued as an advisor to Experian following their acquisition of 41st Parameter.
- Partnering with Ori Eisen (founder of 41st Parameter), Mr. Abagnale continues his role as an advisor in creation of a new technology called Trusona (www.Trusona.com). Trusona was incorporated in May 2015.
- Standard Register Company--since the early 1980s worked with and developed security features used on car titles, birth certificates, doctors' prescription pads, negotiable instruments, packaging and luxury items.
- Novell--helped develop identity management software used by thousands of corporations, governments and financial institutions.
- Affinion Group—helped develop PrivacyGuard, a credit monitoring service now used by over 6 million Americans, as well as in Canada and the United Kingdom.
- ADP—designed their current payroll check issued more than 800 million times a year for the payrolls of thousands of corporations.
- First Data Corp (FDC)—designed the Integrated Payment Systems (IPS) Check currently the official bank check of over 3,000 financial institutions.
- Safechecks, Inc.—designed the SuperCheck and SuperBusiness Check considered to be the most secure checks in the world and used by thousands of municipalities, mortgage companies, title and escrow offices, and corporations.
- Appleton Papers—designed the Frank W. Abagnale signature watermark paper. One of the most secure papers in the world with numerous security features built into the paper stock and distributed exclusively by Standard Register Company, USA.
- Audemars Piguet—designed the anti-counterfeiting technology incorporated in one of the world’s most luxurious watches.
- Leigh-Mardon (Australia)—one of the world’s most sophisticated secure document printers and manufacturer of credit cards and smart cards. Helped design the Australian passport, Australian postal money order and numerous official international bank checks.
- The 41st Parameter—partnered with and help develop ImageMask—software that digitally blocks information on checks and documents from being seen online. This technology is used by some of the nation’s largest banks.
- Staples, Inc.—partnered with the world’s largest office supply store bringing security products and solutions to their consumer and business customers.
- Sanford uni-ball—helped develop the uni-ball 207 writing instrument. The only pen in the world that cannot be altered by chemicals or solvents. Over 20 million sold annually in the United States alone.
- In the past 45 years Mr. Abagnale has worked with 65% of the Fortune 500 Companies in America.
- Author of five books on white collar crime and identity theft—“Scam Me if You Can”, “The Art of the Steal”, “The Real U Guide to Identity Theft”, “Stealing Your Life” and “The Abagnale Document Verification Manual”
- Designed SequrZ secure number font used by thousands of corporations, government agencies and financial institutions to secure the written and dollar amounts on negotiable instruments. Click here to see image.