Scam Me If You Can

Introduction

Smart People Get Scammed

I just wanted to die, said Helen Anderson. I wanted to go to sleep and not wake up, because I was so tired of it never ending and I didn t know what to do.

Helen, sixty-four, was a victim of identity theft. She had worked in the operating room of a Seattle hospital and, like many nurses, had developed back problems because of the long hours she spent on her feet and the labor involved in maneuvering and lifting patients. By 2011 her legs had started to hurt so badly that she required back surgery, which prevented her from returning to work. Helen wasn t worried about the loss of income. She had planned wisely for her retirement, enjoyed a solid credit rating, paid her bills on time, and owned her house outright.

Soon after she d recovered from surgery, her daughter in Portland, Oregon, started to suffer from health problems. Since Helen was now retired, she had time to travel to see her. She left her home and her dog in the care of her niece, Samantha. Helen asked Samantha to promise not to allow anyone else to stay in the house. She had had a bad experience fifteen years earlier, when the sister of one of her hospital coworkers stayed with her for a week. Using information she had found in Helen s home, the woman opened a credit card in Helen s name. After discover­ing the crime, Helen confronted the woman, who then paid off the debt and closed the account. But the event left an impression on Helen, and she didn t want any strangers in her house, espe­cially not while she was away.

When Helen returned home from visiting her daughter, she was understandably upset to see another woman staying there. When Helen asked Samantha about the stranger, she explained that the woman, Alice Lipski, was a friend who had had a fight with her boyfriend and needed a place to stay. It would just be for a few days, and Samantha didn t think Helen would mind. Well, Helen did mind, and asked that Alice be out of the

A former professional impostor and the author of the bestselling memoir, Catch Me If You Can, as well as The Art of the Steal and Stealing Your Life, Frank Abagnale is one of the world's most respected authorities on the subjects of fraud, forgery, and cyber security. A world-renowned consultant for more than four decades, he lectures at the FBI's Academy and field offices. More than 14,000 financial institutions, corporations, and law enforcement agencies use his fraud prevention programs. He consults with major corporate clients such as AARP, Experian, Intuit, and LexisNexis.

They say you can t con a con man. But what if you re not a con man? Frank Abagnale once was, and now he s on the other side, helping law enforcement and regular citizens spot the newest cons out there. Nobody can explain how to avoid the current epidemic of financial fraud as well Frank Abagnale. He is the ultimate authority. If you value your financial security, listen to this man.
--William Bratton, former Police Commissioner, NYPD and LAPD

For years, Frank Abagnale has been my first call in the event of any scam.  His on-target, insightful advice has helped me and my audience protect itself.  I'm so glad he's finally put this important information into a book we all can -- and should -- read.
--Jean Chatzky, Host of the HerMoney Podcast, Today Show financial editor, AARP financial ambassador

"A must-own for every American to arm themselves against the fastest growing crimes in our nation. Frank is a Jedi Master, and all of us in law enforcement are grateful students. Young or old, rich or not, whatever your background, Frank will empower you to protect yourself and your loved ones." 
--Sean D. Reyes, Attorney General of the State of Utah
 
Well written and thought provoking! This great book offers practical, sound advice on how to avoid getting scammed in many areas of your life, from identity theft to IRS scams to bank account fraud. With so many scams prevalent in today's high technology world, everyone should read this book even those individuals who strongly believe they are not likely to ever be scammed.
--Ernie J. Zelinski, author of How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free
 
"Scam Me If You Can is a timely, profoundly useful book about how to take action against identity theft scams. Only someone with Abagnale's unique background could precisely lay out a blueprint for recognizing and mitigating these insidious crimes, including both real life scenarios and