Frank W. Abagnale Jr. expressed frustration after The Times of London featured a photo of Leonardo DiCaprio from the movie “Catch Me if You Can” alongside a review of his 2019 book, “Duped,” which delves into serial liars.

Despite his past as a con artist, Abagnale has since worked with various organizations on fraud prevention and cybercrime.

He clarified that while he did write bad checks at 16, he has repaid his debts and spent time in prison before assisting the FBI for over 43 years.

Abagnale’s discomfort with being associated with crimes like bank robberies and forgery intrigued many, given his public persona as a reformed scammer who leveraged his experiences for a successful career.

His tale of impersonating a Pan Am pilot and committing various fraudulent activities had captivated audiences worldwide, leading to fame and fortune.

However, some individuals, including Jim Keith, questioned the authenticity of Abagnale’s narrative.

Keith, a former security manager at JC Penney, became suspicious after attending one of Abagnale’s talks back in 1981.

Together with a professor named William Toney, they delved into extensive research, unearthing discrepancies in Abagnale’s claims.

While some aspects of Abagnale’s story held true, many details were deemed inaccurate, exaggerated, or entirely false, casting doubt on his credibility.

Despite Abagnale’s assertions of assuming roles as a doctor, professor, and lawyer, investigations revealed inconsistencies in his accounts.

Allegations of fabricating experiences and engagements with prestigious institutions surfaced, challenging the narrative Abagnale had crafted over the years.

Moreover, claims of stealing money and executing elaborate cons were scrutinized, revealing discrepancies in timelines and events.

An analysis of Abagnale’s criminal activities raised doubts about the feasibility of his purported exploits, such as cashing thousands of fraudulent checks within a limited timeframe.

Contradictions in official records and testimonies further undermined the validity of his assertions.

The unraveling of Abagnale’s past shed light on a complex web of deceit that had long gone unquestioned, prompting a reevaluation of his legacy and reputation.

The fallout from these revelations extended to legal disputes and professional relationships, with individuals like Mark Zinder expressing regret over their association with Abagnale.

Contrary to his claims of targeting large corporations, testimonies emerged of Abagnale preying on unsuspecting individuals and families.

Personal anecdotes from those affected by his schemes painted a stark contrast to the altruistic image Abagnale had projected.

As scrutiny intensified, Abagnale’s standing as a fraud prevention advocate came under scrutiny, leading to his disassociation from certain organizations.

Despite attempts to distance himself from his past, questions lingered about the ethics of