Frank Abagnale and his book “If you believe you have a foolproof system, then you have failed to take into consideration the creativity of fools,” Abagnale says.

To outwit con artists, take advice from one of the most famous people who used to be one. “Think like a predator,” counsels Frank Abagnale, whose life as a professional imposter and conman from ages 16 to 21 inspired the film “Catch Me If You Can,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Abagnale knows all too well how scammers operate.

In an interview with BenefitsPRO’s sister site, ThinkAdvisor, the former fraudster, 71, reveals some M.O.s and tells how to avoid being had.

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Jane Wollman Rusoff

Jane Wollman Rusoff is a ThinkAdvisor contributing editor specializing in interviews with thought leaders. She has written for ThinkAdvisor since its inception and was a contributing editor to Research magazine, a predecessor to ThinkAdvisor, starting in 1992.

Jane has received two AZBEE Awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors. She has contributed articles to The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and Esquire, among numerous other publications.

Jane has written or co-authored five books, including three written with “Tonight” show creator Steve Allen. Jane was a staff editor with London Express Features and Billboard’s Merchandising Magazine. She has interviewed and profiled thousands of entertainment personalities, including Ray Charles, George Clooney, Angelina Jolie and Meryl Streep.

Jane is the founder of www.FamilyStarProductions.com.