Other People's Money
by Neil Forsyth with Elliot Castro
Published by Sidgwick & Jackson Ltd
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Reviewed by Linda Lee
Subtitled: The Rise and Fall of Britain’s Most Audacious Fraudster
Starting at the age of sixteen, Elliot Castro learned how to make use of other people’s money. He stole credit card numbers by the handfuls and was brazen enough to use them openly for anything he wanted. He wanted the good life.
Childhood was hard for Castro. He went to several different schools due to his behavior, behavior he claims was brought on by being bullied and misunderstood. He just didn’t fit in. He was smarter than others his age, had a different accent than his classmates, and a photographic memory. He was teased and felt ostracized. It set him up to live a life of inner fantasy where he was always the winner. And the prize would be that he could live the high life, have a long list of friends, and his father would respect and understand him.
He tells of stealing cards, impersonating different business people, and buying friends. The best hotels in different cities become his home. To a certain extent, you can’t help but feel sorry for this young man who has obvious needs.
As I was reading it, I felt it was too unbelievable, that he did too much of everything. As a biography it is obviously true, but I found it hard to read about how much he took advantage of others—AND never showed any remorse.
Armchair Interview says: His story should make everyone more aware of identity theft and credit card fraud.
Author’s Web site: http://www.NeilForsyth.com