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123 Frank Abagnale Quotes To Ponder Over

Famous As: Impostor, Fraudster
Born On: April 27, 1948
Born In: Bronxville, New York, United States
Age: 74 Years

Frank William Abagnale Jr. is an American security consultant who became infamous as a conman and imposter in the 1960s. Born in New York amidst very difficult conditions, Frank always wanted to become rich. Performing his first con-job at a tender age of 15, Frank went on to commit more crimes in the coming years. He adopted at least eight identities, conned several people and made a lot of money. He spent 12 months in prison before he was hired by the Federal Government as a security consultant and he continues to work in the position. The Steven Spielberg film ‘Catch me If You Can’ was based on Frank’s life. We have collected best Frank Abagnale quotes on family, life, father, good, joy and bank taken from his speeches, books, and interviews.

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You have to believe in what you do. Take something you truly believe in and go about it in an honest way.

You have to believe in what you do. Take something you truly believe in and go about it in an honest way.

Frank Abagnale
I went from 198 pounds to 109 while I was in prison in France, and I had to tie my clothes on with rope.

I went from 198 pounds to 109 while I was in prison in France, and I had to tie my clothes on with rope.

Frank Abagnale
A lot of times, when I met somebody and took them out on a date, I obviously didn't tell them my background, because I didn't think I'd see them but once or twice.

A lot of times, when I met somebody and took them out on a date, I obviously didn't tell them my background, because I didn't think I'd see them but once or twice.

Frank Abagnale
Had I been older, I would've never been able to pull it off because I would've analyzed it to death. When I was 16, there was no such thing as 'what if.'

Had I been older, I would've never been able to pull it off because I would've analyzed it to death. When I was 16, there was no such thing as 'what if.'

Frank Abagnale
A lot of people say I was brilliant. I wasn't. I was an opportunist: a young entrepreneur who saw things and took advantage.

A lot of people say I was brilliant. I wasn't. I was an opportunist: a young entrepreneur who saw things and took advantage.

Frank Abagnale
When I was 28 years old, I thought it would be great to have a movie about my life. I was egotistical and self-centered.

When I was 28 years old, I thought it would be great to have a movie about my life. I was egotistical and self-centered.

Frank Abagnale
I always knew I'd get caught sooner or later. And I knew I would end up going to prison.

I always knew I'd get caught sooner or later. And I knew I would end up going to prison.

Frank Abagnale
I know that people are fascinated by what I did as a teenager, but what I did was immoral, illegal, unethical, and something that I am not proud of - nor will I ever be proud of.

I know that people are fascinated by what I did as a teenager, but what I did was immoral, illegal, unethical, and something that I am not proud of - nor will I ever be proud of.

Frank Abagnale
I make my home in Tulsa.

I make my home in Tulsa.

Frank Abagnale
Unlike most divorces, where the children were usually the first to know, my parents were very good about keeping that a secret.

Unlike most divorces, where the children were usually the first to know, my parents were very good about keeping that a secret.

Frank Abagnale
Too many of us are vulnerable, and I look forward to working with AARP to advise people about the safest ways to conduct their financial transactions and manage social media.

Too many of us are vulnerable, and I look forward to working with AARP to advise people about the safest ways to conduct their financial transactions and manage social media.

Frank Abagnale
I teach ethics at the FBI academy, which is ironic.

I teach ethics at the FBI academy, which is ironic.

Frank Abagnale
I'm glad I'm a draw. People know that, not only am I the guy that did it, I spent 40 years on the other side.

I'm glad I'm a draw. People know that, not only am I the guy that did it, I spent 40 years on the other side.

Frank Abagnale
It is amazing the information we give away. We make it easier and easier for criminals.

It is amazing the information we give away. We make it easier and easier for criminals.

Frank Abagnale
I have never witnessed, nor will I live long enough to witness, a more simplistic crime than me stealing your identity.

I have never witnessed, nor will I live long enough to witness, a more simplistic crime than me stealing your identity.

Frank Abagnale
You fight technology with technology, so you have to stay one step ahead of the criminal. It's very much a chess game - they make a move, you have to make a move.

You fight technology with technology, so you have to stay one step ahead of the criminal. It's very much a chess game - they make a move, you have to make a move.

Frank Abagnale
You should know, whether you live in the U.S. or in the U.K., that your identity has already been stolen.

You should know, whether you live in the U.S. or in the U.K., that your identity has already been stolen.

Frank Abagnale
It's about taking the time to research and think things out. Honest people and criminals do the same thing; just the direction, good or bad, is different.

It's about taking the time to research and think things out. Honest people and criminals do the same thing; just the direction, good or bad, is different.

Frank Abagnale
Every form of payment has some risk associated with it.

Every form of payment has some risk associated with it.

Frank Abagnale
Almost any fault, sin or crime is considered more leniently if there's a touch of class involved.

Almost any fault, sin or crime is considered more leniently if there's a touch of class involved.

Frank Abagnale
I learned early that class is universally admired.

I learned early that class is universally admired.

Frank Abagnale
I don't believe that a piece of paper will excuse my actions. In the end, only my actions will.

I don't believe that a piece of paper will excuse my actions. In the end, only my actions will.

Frank Abagnale
If I check into a hotel, a lot of times, they know who I am.

If I check into a hotel, a lot of times, they know who I am.

Frank Abagnale
Most people don't recognize me, but they know my name. TSA people rarely recognize my name, ironically, and they are the security people.

Most people don't recognize me, but they know my name. TSA people rarely recognize my name, ironically, and they are the security people.

Frank Abagnale
If I wanted to lay down a baby con, I could say I was the product of a broken home. But I'd only be bum-rapping my parents.

If I wanted to lay down a baby con, I could say I was the product of a broken home. But I'd only be bum-rapping my parents.

Frank Abagnale
You get to a point in your life where you go, 'I don't remember what I did.'

You get to a point in your life where you go, 'I don't remember what I did.'

Frank Abagnale
It's amazing how much information we share in social media, then we wonder why people steal our identity.

It's amazing how much information we share in social media, then we wonder why people steal our identity.

Frank Abagnale
I didn't sit outside the bank and plan. I just went in and ad libbed because I was so young. But I was smart enough to know I would absolutely get caught.

I didn't sit outside the bank and plan. I just went in and ad libbed because I was so young. But I was smart enough to know I would absolutely get caught.

Frank Abagnale
Had I been older - maybe 25 or 30 - I would have never tried half the things I did because I would have rationalized everything and never did it.

Had I been older - maybe 25 or 30 - I would have never tried half the things I did because I would have rationalized everything and never did it.

Frank Abagnale
If I had walked into a dry cleaning store, and I had looked over, and the register drawer was open with money inside, I wouldn't have taken it.

If I had walked into a dry cleaning store, and I had looked over, and the register drawer was open with money inside, I wouldn't have taken it.

Frank Abagnale
I didn't like taking money from individuals.

I didn't like taking money from individuals.

Frank Abagnale
People care about others in their immediate network.

People care about others in their immediate network.

Frank Abagnale
My father was never really the con-man type that the film shows him to be: he was straight as an arrow, though he did have problems with the IRS.

My father was never really the con-man type that the film shows him to be: he was straight as an arrow, though he did have problems with the IRS.

Frank Abagnale
Christopher Walken and Nathalie Baye played my parents so well that I really thought I was in my living room at Christmas. My mother couldn't have been played more correctly.

Christopher Walken and Nathalie Baye played my parents so well that I really thought I was in my living room at Christmas. My mother couldn't have been played more correctly.

Frank Abagnale
Airline pilots are men to be admired and respected. Men to be trusted. Men of means. And you don't expect an airline pilot to be a local resident. Or a check swindler.

Airline pilots are men to be admired and respected. Men to be trusted. Men of means. And you don't expect an airline pilot to be a local resident. Or a check swindler.

Frank Abagnale
I partied in every capital in Europe, basked on all the famous beaches, and good-timed it in South America, the South Seas, the Orient, and the more palatable portions of Africa.

I partied in every capital in Europe, basked on all the famous beaches, and good-timed it in South America, the South Seas, the Orient, and the more palatable portions of Africa.

Frank Abagnale
I wasn't a Pan Am pilot or any other kind of pilot.

I wasn't a Pan Am pilot or any other kind of pilot.

Frank Abagnale
One thing I've found is that if you educate and show people the risk, they will do something about it.

One thing I've found is that if you educate and show people the risk, they will do something about it.

Frank Abagnale
We really need to get control over Social Security numbers. My children's generation, they're past it. But their children should be able to have a number that is secure.

We really need to get control over Social Security numbers. My children's generation, they're past it. But their children should be able to have a number that is secure.

Frank Abagnale
One of the most popular scams is what they call account takeover. You write me a check, and I simply go online to a check-printing service and order 200 checks with your account information.

One of the most popular scams is what they call account takeover. You write me a check, and I simply go online to a check-printing service and order 200 checks with your account information.

Frank Abagnale
At the FBI, very rarely do they investigate crime under $100,000.

At the FBI, very rarely do they investigate crime under $100,000.

Frank Abagnale
We buy into the computer, and everything that comes from the computer, we believe to be the truth.

We buy into the computer, and everything that comes from the computer, we believe to be the truth.

Frank Abagnale
You have to be very limited in who you give your social security number to.

You have to be very limited in who you give your social security number to.

Frank Abagnale
I spent five years of my youth in prison - some very bad prisons.

I spent five years of my youth in prison - some very bad prisons.

Frank Abagnale
People have found very significant and simple ways to cheat their employer and get money out of their employers, and many companies lack good internal controls.

People have found very significant and simple ways to cheat their employer and get money out of their employers, and many companies lack good internal controls.

Frank Abagnale
When I look back at my life now, I'm not amazed by what I did at 16 to 21.

When I look back at my life now, I'm not amazed by what I did at 16 to 21.

Frank Abagnale
I owe a debt to my country 800 times greater than I could ever repay.

I owe a debt to my country 800 times greater than I could ever repay.

Frank Abagnale
I use a credit card for everything - and I choose one of the ones which gives you money back.

I use a credit card for everything - and I choose one of the ones which gives you money back.

Frank Abagnale
When people write about me, they usually start off with the headline 'World's Greatest Con Man.'

When people write about me, they usually start off with the headline 'World's Greatest Con Man.'

Frank Abagnale
While I was on an undercover assignment in Texas, I met my wife, Kelly.

While I was on an undercover assignment in Texas, I met my wife, Kelly.

Frank Abagnale
I never use debit cards. I only use credit cards. This way, if someone does get my account number... and charges $1 million, by federal law, my liability is zero.

I never use debit cards. I only use credit cards. This way, if someone does get my account number... and charges $1 million, by federal law, my liability is zero.

Frank Abagnale
You cannot rely on the police, you cannot rely on the government, you cannot rely on the bank to protect you.

You cannot rely on the police, you cannot rely on the government, you cannot rely on the bank to protect you.

Frank Abagnale
You have to be smarter and a wiser businessperson and consumer. You have to learn to protect yourself through education.

You have to be smarter and a wiser businessperson and consumer. You have to learn to protect yourself through education.

Frank Abagnale
The Internet can be used to hurt many people.

The Internet can be used to hurt many people.

Frank Abagnale
Mostly, cybercriminals are motivated to commit crime for financial gain.

Mostly, cybercriminals are motivated to commit crime for financial gain.

Frank Abagnale
Criminals know that if they stay under certain thresholds, nobody is going to come after them.

Criminals know that if they stay under certain thresholds, nobody is going to come after them.

Frank Abagnale
I served my time and came out of prison when I was just 26 and have worked with the government for 37 years. But people only remember me for what I did before that.

I served my time and came out of prison when I was just 26 and have worked with the government for 37 years. But people only remember me for what I did before that.

Frank Abagnale
It's quite flattering to have Leonardo DiCaprio play you in the movie. He's a great-looking young man.

It's quite flattering to have Leonardo DiCaprio play you in the movie. He's a great-looking young man.

Frank Abagnale
If I had the uniform on, you didn't doubt for a moment I was a pilot. No one ever blinked an eye if I tried to cash a cheque wearing that uniform.

If I had the uniform on, you didn't doubt for a moment I was a pilot. No one ever blinked an eye if I tried to cash a cheque wearing that uniform.

Frank Abagnale
If you took a child in London and took their iPhone and took them somewhere else in the country, they'd probably not be able to find their way back. That's a shame.

If you took a child in London and took their iPhone and took them somewhere else in the country, they'd probably not be able to find their way back. That's a shame.

Frank Abagnale
If I had been brilliant or a genius, I wouldn't have needed to break the law just to survive.

If I had been brilliant or a genius, I wouldn't have needed to break the law just to survive.

Frank Abagnale
The law sometimes sleeps; it never dies.

The law sometimes sleeps; it never dies.

Frank Abagnale
It's amazing to me that we live in such a wonderful country where anyone can have a problem in life and get up, dust themselves off and start all over again.

It's amazing to me that we live in such a wonderful country where anyone can have a problem in life and get up, dust themselves off and start all over again.

Frank Abagnale
I was an opportunist and got away with things because I was very young, but I went to prison and came out and remade my life.

I was an opportunist and got away with things because I was very young, but I went to prison and came out and remade my life.

Frank Abagnale
I think my wife understood from the day I met her how important she was to me and how important it was for me becoming a husband and a father.

I think my wife understood from the day I met her how important she was to me and how important it was for me becoming a husband and a father.

Frank Abagnale
When people ask me about being portrayed onscreen by Leonardo DiCaprio, I always say, 'I love it - no matter how old I get, people are going to think that's what I look like.'

When people ask me about being portrayed onscreen by Leonardo DiCaprio, I always say, 'I love it - no matter how old I get, people are going to think that's what I look like.'

Frank Abagnale
My proudest moment was probably when my oldest boy finished law school and went on to become an FBI agent. It was just beyond my imagination that - with my background - my own son would become an FBI agent.

My proudest moment was probably when my oldest boy finished law school and went on to become an FBI agent. It was just beyond my imagination that - with my background - my own son would become an FBI agent.

Frank Abagnale
Whether you're earning $7 an hour or $700,000 a year, it's very important to protect your credit rating.

Whether you're earning $7 an hour or $700,000 a year, it's very important to protect your credit rating.

Frank Abagnale
I don't use a debit card. The safest thing is a credit card because you're using the bank's money. If someone accesses your information, they are stealing the bank's money, not yours.

I don't use a debit card. The safest thing is a credit card because you're using the bank's money. If someone accesses your information, they are stealing the bank's money, not yours.

Frank Abagnale
I'm a true believer that you have a moral obligation to keep your employees honest, and that is why you have controls, so I'm never tempted or put in a position where I could do something to defraud my employer.

I'm a true believer that you have a moral obligation to keep your employees honest, and that is why you have controls, so I'm never tempted or put in a position where I could do something to defraud my employer.

Frank Abagnale
Why do the Yankees always win? The other team can't stop looking at the pinstripes.

Why do the Yankees always win? The other team can't stop looking at the pinstripes.

Frank Abagnale
What I did in my youth is hundreds of times easier today. Technology breeds crime.

What I did in my youth is hundreds of times easier today. Technology breeds crime.

Frank Abagnale
I don't do online banking.

I don't do online banking.

Frank Abagnale
In all the years I've taught at the FBI Academy, I've only seen crime get easier, faster, and harder to detect.

In all the years I've taught at the FBI Academy, I've only seen crime get easier, faster, and harder to detect.

Frank Abagnale
I speak at a lot of universities, and people are always worried about Facebook, and when I explain how to use it properly, they immediately go back and make those changes.

I speak at a lot of universities, and people are always worried about Facebook, and when I explain how to use it properly, they immediately go back and make those changes.

Frank Abagnale
The biggest thing that concerns me is when we start getting countries using cybercrime to shut down infrastructure, electricity, communications systems, the Internet, et cetera.

The biggest thing that concerns me is when we start getting countries using cybercrime to shut down infrastructure, electricity, communications systems, the Internet, et cetera.

Frank Abagnale
The Internet is a wonderful thing, but it opens the door to many crimes, so you have to stay ahead of it.

The Internet is a wonderful thing, but it opens the door to many crimes, so you have to stay ahead of it.

Frank Abagnale
If you happen to tell me where you were born, your date of birth and that kind of information, then I'm 98 percent of the way to stealing your identity.

If you happen to tell me where you were born, your date of birth and that kind of information, then I'm 98 percent of the way to stealing your identity.

Frank Abagnale
Only one thing makes a man a man. He loves his wife, is faithful to her, and puts his wife and kids as the most important things in life.

Only one thing makes a man a man. He loves his wife, is faithful to her, and puts his wife and kids as the most important things in life.

Frank Abagnale
Everything I have today was because of the love of a woman.

Everything I have today was because of the love of a woman.

Frank Abagnale
I was always accepted at par value. I wore the uniform of a Pan Am pilot; therefore, I must be a Pan Am pilot.

I was always accepted at par value. I wore the uniform of a Pan Am pilot; therefore, I must be a Pan Am pilot.

Frank Abagnale
I taught at the FBI for four decades - how to think outside of the box and deal with social engineering.

I taught at the FBI for four decades - how to think outside of the box and deal with social engineering.

Frank Abagnale
If my forgeries looked as bad as the CBS documents, it would have been 'Catch Me In Two Days'.

If my forgeries looked as bad as the CBS documents, it would have been 'Catch Me In Two Days'.

Frank Abagnale
We're coming down to an extremely unethical society. Very few colleges offer courses in ethics, and very few companies have a code of conduct or code of ethics.

We're coming down to an extremely unethical society. Very few colleges offer courses in ethics, and very few companies have a code of conduct or code of ethics.

Frank Abagnale
By the time I had reached the age of 16, in the 10th grade, my parents, after 22 years of marriage, one day decided to get a divorce.

By the time I had reached the age of 16, in the 10th grade, my parents, after 22 years of marriage, one day decided to get a divorce.

Frank Abagnale
Technology breeds crime and we are constantly trying to develop technology to stay one step ahead of the person trying to use it negatively.

Technology breeds crime and we are constantly trying to develop technology to stay one step ahead of the person trying to use it negatively.

Frank Abagnale
I would have thought technology would have made it harder to do what I did.

I would have thought technology would have made it harder to do what I did.

Frank Abagnale
There is no technology today that cannot be defeated by social engineering.

There is no technology today that cannot be defeated by social engineering.

Frank Abagnale
I think I was so successful, not because I was brilliant, but because I was so young. I had no fear of consequences.

I think I was so successful, not because I was brilliant, but because I was so young. I had no fear of consequences.

Frank Abagnale
Every breach you look at occurred because somebody inside did something they weren't supposed to do. Sometimes there's an accomplice, but most of the time, it's innocent.

Every breach you look at occurred because somebody inside did something they weren't supposed to do. Sometimes there's an accomplice, but most of the time, it's innocent.

Frank Abagnale
There's no such thing as a foolproof system. That idea fails to take into account the creativity of fools.

There's no such thing as a foolproof system. That idea fails to take into account the creativity of fools.

Frank Abagnale
People say that life is short, but it isn't short. It's very long.

People say that life is short, but it isn't short. It's very long.

Frank Abagnale
The front of a cheque alone gives someone enough information to steal your identity.

The front of a cheque alone gives someone enough information to steal your identity.

Frank Abagnale
I was just a guy who ran away from home at 16 because my parents were getting a divorce and the judge was making me choose which parent to live with. I didn't want to make that choice. I ended up in New York City.

I was just a guy who ran away from home at 16 because my parents were getting a divorce and the judge was making me choose which parent to live with. I didn't want to make that choice. I ended up in New York City.

Frank Abagnale
If you tell me your name and date of birth, that's all I need to steal your identity.

If you tell me your name and date of birth, that's all I need to steal your identity.

Frank Abagnale
Most people don't reconcile their bank accounts.

Most people don't reconcile their bank accounts.

Frank Abagnale
You can sit in a room and create anything you want on a laptop. That's why the real con men are gone.

You can sit in a room and create anything you want on a laptop. That's why the real con men are gone.

Frank Abagnale
You have to think a little smarter, be proactive, not reactive.

You have to think a little smarter, be proactive, not reactive.

Frank Abagnale
We all grow up. Hopefully, we get wiser. Age brings wisdom, and fatherhood changes one's life completely.

We all grow up. Hopefully, we get wiser. Age brings wisdom, and fatherhood changes one's life completely.

Frank Abagnale
The truth is, your identity already has been stolen.

The truth is, your identity already has been stolen.

Frank Abagnale
Nothing has brought me more love, joy and peace than being a good husband and good daddy.

Nothing has brought me more love, joy and peace than being a good husband and good daddy.

Frank Abagnale
A real man loves and respects his wife and is not only a good father but a man that his kids want to call 'Daddy.'

A real man loves and respects his wife and is not only a good father but a man that his kids want to call 'Daddy.'

Frank Abagnale