Elliot Castro

Former fraudster Elliot Castro spent £2 million of other people’s money and became the subject of an international police manhunt at the age of 18. His story has been described as the modern version of Catch Me if You Can.

Since his release from prison in 2005, Elliot has dedicated himself to advising some of the world’s foremost financial institutions and law enforcement agencies. His expertise is trusted by Fortune 500 and FTSE listed companies, where he provides unique insights into fraudsters’ psychology and tactics as an independent fraud prevention consultant.

Elliot is the subject of a recent BBC documentary, Catch Me if You Can, which aired in 2024, and the 2007 book Other People’s Money: The Rise and Fall of Britain’s Boldest Credit Card Fraudster by journalist Neil Forsyth.

He frequently appears on television and radio to discuss consumer affairs, security, and risk, sharing his knowledge to prevent financial crimes.

As a sought-after keynote speaker, Elliot’s impact on businesses is profound. His honesty, intelligence, and deep understanding of financial fraud have helped numerous companies strengthen their defences against scams and hacking. His talks, noted for their candour and positive energy, provide valuable insight into the criminal mindset.

Contact Great British Speakers today to book ex-Fraudster turned fraud prevention consultant Elliot Castro for your next event.

Type Of Speaker

Business & Finance Law, Crime & Security

More About Elliot Castro

Elliot Castro | Background

Elliot’s criminal career began at age 15 while working at a mobile phone call centre in Glasgow, where he realised he could easily exploit customer credit card details.

At first, he would buy CDs, haircuts and clothes before realizing the potential of what he could do. Clever and driven by a desire for an expensive lifestyle, he escalated from minor purchases to extravagant spending on items like £12,000 designer watches, £50,000 cars and first-class flights.

Elliot Castro | Imprisoned

Castro travelled across Europe with the money from his victims. By the time he was 21, he had served prison terms for fraud in Britain, Ireland and Canada. After being pursued by detectives in the UK for five years, Elliot was eventually caught in 2004 and served a two-year prison sentence.

With time and scope for soul-searching, Elliot decided to turn his life around when he left prison and became a highly respected independent fraud prevention consultant. He is dedicated to helping businesses, financial institutions, and law enforcement departments keep their assets secure.

Elliot Castro | BBC Documentary

In 2024, Elliot was featured in a 3-part documentary telling his story from aged 16, billed by the BBC as ‘a cautionary tale about one of the UK’s most notorious credit card fraudsters, whose five-year crime wave began at just 16 years of age. While his contemporaries were using fake IDs to get into nightclubs, he was defrauding innocent cardholders from his desk in a call centre, laying the groundwork for a journey that would open up a world of wealth, first-class travel and an escape from the life he seemed destined for. But, as he soon discovers, this lifestyle would be laced with darkness, danger and terrible consequences.’

Elliot Castro hire fraud prevention consultant speaker book at agent Great British Speakers

Why Book Elliot Castro?

Elliot is a sought-after keynote speaker, with both a unique story and set of insights to share. He has a profound impact on businesses, sharing his understanding of financial systems and fraud. With a down-to-earth honesty and his intelligence, he has become a popular speaker where he shares valuable insight into the criminal mindset. Elliot has dedicated himself to advising some of the world’s foremost financial institutions and law enforcement agencies. His expertise is trusted by Fortune 500 and FTSE listed companies.