Scam Me If You Can

Simple Strategies to Outsmart Today's Rip-off Artists

By: Frank Abagnale

Narrated by: Jason Culp

Are you at risk of being scammed? Former con artist and bestselling author of Catch Me If You Can Frank Abagnale shows you how to stop scammers in their tracks.

Maybe you're wondering how to make the scam phone calls stop. Perhaps someone has stolen your credit card number. Or you've been a victim of identity theft. Even if you haven't yet been the target of a crime, con artists are always out there, waiting for the right moment to steal your information, your money, and your life.

As one of the world's most respected authorities on the subjects of fraud, forgery, and cyber security, Frank Abagnale knows how scammers work. In Scam Me If You Can, he reveals the 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 hundreds of tips, including:

The best way to protect your phone from being hacked

The only time you should ever use a debit card

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 safest way to use an ATM

With his simple but counterintuitive rules, Abagnale also makes use of his insider intel to paint a picture of cybercrimes that haven't become widespread yet.

Critic reviews

“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 hands-on solutions."
--Brian L. Stafford, Director, United States Secret Service (ret)

“In spite of his unusual beginning--or more likely because of it--Frank Abagnale’s abilities to teach us how to avoid fraud are second to none. He’s been there, he’s done that, so if you want to know how the criminals will come at you, and how to protect yourself from them, buy this book.”
--John Miller, Former Assistant Director for Public Affairs, FBI

Enjoyable.

Openly view this book as a lesson on how not to be scammed in various areas. Know the warning signs.

A Must Read!

This is fantastic info for everyone of all ages and backgrounds. I bought this book for all my clients and family.

A must for anyone with a Social Security number!

I would even go further to suggest that this book should be part of middle school and/or high school curriculum because it can be digested by our kids who know very well the pain that is caused when another hacks their email addresses or Facebook accounts. Financial education is never too early to begin.

I have listened to all of Frank W. Abagnale's AARP podcasts on scamming but his book takes the topic even further.

My final thought: There is someone somewhere looking to get your money and you must be educated in order to not fall prey of this happening to you.

wealth of good information! worth a second listen

wealth of good information!
worth a second listen always use a credit card not a debit card for transaction even small.

Worth Your Time

Former con artist Frank Abagnale includes a substantial amount of worthwhile information in this admittedly dated (2019) exposé. No matter how tech savvy you might consider yourself to be, it's a good guess that you will find at least a few valuable tips on how to protect yourself against the next predator looking to separate you from your money. Or worse.

To those reviewers who dismiss Abignale's advice as out of step with 2023 technology, I suggest that they give some consideration to the many people out there who still deal directly with banks, as well as to those novice tech users - frequently vulnerable seniors - who will benefit from the warnings that Abignale provides. Look-alike government websites, charity scams, fake veterans' assistance sites, video footage of suffering animals, and many more slick scams lurk behind the next phone call, tv commercial or website; it will be the rare listener who knows of all the traps that can be set by malicious trolls.