New Host Michelle Kosinski Joins 'The Perfect Scam' Podcast

Michelle Kosinski

Michelle is an Emmy® award-winning investigative journalist who recently served as CNN’s senior diplomatic correspondent responsible for covering the U.S. State Department, and prior to that, the White House.

Previously, Kosinski served as an NBC News foreign correspondent based in London, where she reported for NBC Nightly News With Brian Williams, the Today show, MSNBC and CNBC. Prior to her work at NBC News, Kosinski received an Emmy® for her reporting at NBC 6/WTVJ in Miami, Florida.

Frank W. Abagnale 

Frank W. Abagnale is one of the world's most respected authorities on forgery, embezzlement and secure documents. For over 40 years he has worked with, advised and consulted with hundreds of financial institutions, corporations and government agencies around the world.

Mr. Abagnale's rare blend of knowledge and expertise began more than 45 years ago when he was known as one of the world's most famous confidence men. This was depicted most graphically in his best-selling book, Catch Me If You Can, a film of which was also made, directed by Steven Spielberg with Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. A Broadway musical of the same title was also created and in April 2011 opened on Broadway and won a Tony Award. 

Apprehended by the French police when he was 21 years old, he served time in the French, Swedish and U. S. prison systems. After five years he was released on the condition that he would help the federal government, without remuneration, by teaching and assisting federal law enforcement agencies.

Mr. Abagnale has now been associated with the FBI for over four decades. More than 14,000 financial institutions, corporations and law enforcement agencies use his fraud prevention programs. In 1998 he was selected as a distinguished member of "Pinnacle 400" by CNN Financial News - a select group of 400 people chosen on the basis of great accomplishment and success in their fields. In 2004 Mr. Abagnale was selected as the spokesperson for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA). He has also written numerous articles and books including The Art of the Steal, The Real U Guide to Identity Theft, Stealing Your Life and his latest book Scam Me if You Can.

Editor's note: This article was updated on April 7, 2020, to reflect a new co-host for the podcast series.

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