Even in death, Lustig continued to fascinate America. A historian tried to track down his real life in Austria but could not find a single shred of evidence. It was as if he had never existed.

He died almost penniless despite the millions he’d scammed. But he left a non-financial legacy: a salutary lesson to law enforcement on the need to adopt more sophisticated techniques against fraud. To his fellow grifters, he even penned some rules for success. They include “always be a patient listener”; “never get drunk”; “agree with your target’s religious and political views” and “never boast.”

His cunning and agility mark him out as one of the 20^th Century’s most interesting criminals. And though his misdeeds often ruined victims, it’s possible to admire him as an enterprising rogue. But he was still a rogue. Ironically, had he applied the same level of ingenuity to an honest life, he might have enjoyed an equally affluent and perhaps much longer life.

Now discover 13 infamous fraudsters who faked their way to a fortune

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