Stealing Your Life

About the Author

Frank W. Abagnale is a name synonymous with deception, but in the most unconventional and enthralling way. Born on April 27, 1948, Abagnale's early life was marked by audacious escapades that saw him masquerade as an airline pilot, a doctor, and even a legal prosecutor—all before the age of 19. His life story was immortalized in his best-selling memoir, "Catch Me If You Can," and the 2002 blockbuster film of the same name. However, Abagnale's transformation from one of the world's most notorious con men to a highly respected consultant on fraud and identity theft is a testament to his resilience and ingenuity. Today, he works closely with the FBI and numerous corporations, leveraging his unique insights to combat the very crimes he once committed.

Main Idea

"Stealing Your Life" by Frank W. Abagnale is a comprehensive guide aimed at educating readers about the perils of identity theft and the measures one can take to prevent it. Abagnale's expertise in the realm of fraud provides a unique perspective on the mechanics of identity theft, illustrating how easy it is for criminals to assume another person's identity and wreak havoc on their lives. The book not only outlines the various methods used by identity thieves but also offers practical advice on how to safeguard personal information and mitigate the risks associated with this ever-evolving crime.

Table of Contents

1. The Sweetest Con of All
2. The Next Victim - And It's You
3. The Road to Becoming You
4. The 20 Steps to Prevent Identity Theft
5. Understanding Trade Lines and the Meaning of R2
6. You Can Correct Your Credit Report
7. Remember That Privacy Statement You Threw Away?
8. A Farewell to Checks
9. They Got Me - Now What?
10. The Crime That Keeps on Stealing
11. Write Your Company and Congressperson - Now!
12. Staying Two Steps Ahead (Or Three)

The Sweetest Con of All

Identity theft is described as the "wholesale lifting of someone's identity for illicit gain." The crime entails stealing someone's identity to access their bank accounts, personal information, and finances. The advent of technology has exacerbated this issue, making it easier for criminals to operate from anywhere in the world without needing to be physically close to their victims.

“Technology has made identity theft easy to execute behind the shadowy cloak of a computer keyboard. You don’t even have to be in the same city or country as your victim.” - Frank W. Abagnale

The federal Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 made identity theft a federal crime, carrying penalties of up to 15 years in prison and substantial fines. Despite this, law enforcement faces significant challenges in combating the crime due to resource constraints and prioritization of other offenses.