Catch Me If You Can is a biographical crime comedy movie about the exploits of a master con artist during the 1960s. The movie, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was based on the semi-autobiographical book of the same name. Unfortunately, while the protagonist of the movie and the book was real, sources now say that the reformed conman lied about his story.
Frank Abagnale Jr., the master con artist whose life story was the basis of the critically acclaimed movie, may have lied about the crimes he wrote about in his memoir. Abagnale claimed that he impersonated a pilot, doctor, lawyer, and professor during his younger days. He also said that he cashed in an estimated $2.5 million in forged cheques during his time as a conman.
A New York Post report suggests that Abagnale lied about his exploits to gain media attention. According to a source who investigated Abagnale, much of the conman's story was "inaccurate, misleading, exaggerated or totally false."
Abagnale turned his life around after being arrested and sent to prison. The former conman became an advisor for the FBI on fraud prevention and cybercrime.
