The Con Game: What Hollywood’s Greatest Scammers Can Teach Us About Real-Life Fraud

Be entertained—but not deceived.

From The Lady Eve to The Usual Suspects, Hollywood has always been fascinated by the art of the con — and for good reason. Behind the charm, wit, and clever schemes of movie swindlers lies a powerful truth: the same storytelling tricks that captivate us on screen are the ones real-life fraudsters use to steal our trust.

Join AARP New York for The Con Game: A Look at Hollywood Fraudsters, a free virtual seminar on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET.

During this 90-minute session, filmmaker and lecturer Johannes Bockwoldt will use classic con films—including The Lady Eve (1941), The Hustler (1961), and The Usual Suspects (1999)—to explore how cinematic storytelling mirrors the real-world mechanics of fraud.

You’ll learn how both Hollywood and actual scammers:
🎥 Create a sense of urgency — the “ticking clock” that pressures people to act fast
🎥 Build emotional connection and confidence — the foundation of every con
🎥 Use illusion and distraction — keeping you focused on the story, not the scheme

By understanding these storytelling techniques, you’ll gain insight into how con artists craft believable narratives—and how to spot the red flags before they strike.

This entertaining and informative session will connect film, psychology, and practical fraud awareness. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of great cinema—and a sharper eye for the tricks used off-screen.

The Con Game: A Look at Hollywood Fraudsters
🗓️ Thursday, November 20, 2025
🕚 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. ET
🎟️ Free virtual event

Register now: https://events.aarp.org/event/27562662-b28c-4e36-a1dc-85dafdce98f7

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