40 Facts About Victor Lustig

Who Was Victor Lustig?

Victor Lustig, a name synonymous with deception and trickery, was one of the most infamous con artists of the early 20th century. His life was filled with audacious schemes and daring escapades that left many baffled and broke. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this legendary swindler.

1. Victor Lustig was born in Austria-Hungary in 1890. His birthplace is now part of the Czech Republic.

2. He spoke five languages fluently: Czech, German, English, French, and Italian. This linguistic skill helped him in his cons across Europe and America.

3. Lustig was a master of disguise. He often changed his appearance and identity to evade capture and continue his schemes.

4. He started his criminal career as a pickpocket and burglar in Paris before moving on to more elaborate cons.

The Eiffel Tower Scam

One of Lustig's most famous cons involved "selling" the Eiffel Tower. This scam showcased his audacity and cunning.

5. In 1925, Lustig posed as a government official and convinced scrap metal dealers that the Eiffel Tower was being sold for scrap.

6. He forged government documents to make the sale appear legitimate, complete with official seals and signatures.

7. Lustig managed to sell the Eiffel Tower twice. After the first buyer realized he had been duped, Lustig fled to Austria. He returned to Paris later and pulled off the same scam again.

8. The scam was so audacious that the victims were too embarrassed to report it to the authorities, fearing public humiliation.

The Money Box Scam

Another notorious con by Lustig was the "money box" scam, where he sold a machine that supposedly printed real money.

9. Lustig claimed the box could duplicate currency. He demonstrated it by inserting a $100 bill and producing another $100 bill.

10. The box was a cleverly designed trick. It contained a hidden compartment with real bills, which Lustig would use during demonstrations.

11. He sold the boxes for thousands of dollars. Buyers would only realize they had been duped after the hidden bills ran out.

12. Lustig's charm and persuasive skills made the scam highly effective. He convinced many wealthy individuals to part with their money.

Capture and Imprisonment

Despite his cunning, Lustig's criminal career eventually caught up with him. His downfall was as dramatic as his cons.

13. Lustig was arrested multiple times throughout his life but often managed to escape or bribe his way out of jail.

14. In 1935, he was finally captured by American authorities. He was charged with counterfeiting and other crimes.

15. Lustig was sentenced to 20 years in Alcatraz. This infamous prison housed some of the most dangerous criminals of the time.

16. He died in 1947 from pneumonia while still incarcerated at Alcatraz.

Lesser-Known Facts

Beyond his most famous scams, Lustig's life was filled with intriguing details and lesser-known facts.

17. Lustig had a strict code of conduct. He believed in treating his victims with respect and never using violence.

18. He was married and had a daughter. Despite his criminal activities, he maintained a semblance of a normal family life.

19. Lustig was known for his impeccable manners. His charm and sophistication often disarmed his victims, making them more susceptible to his cons.

20. He once escaped from a moving train. While being transported to prison, Lustig managed to pick the lock on his handcuffs and jump from the train.

21. Lustig was a master of psychology. He understood human nature and used this knowledge to manipulate his victims.

22. He had a photographic memory. This ability helped him remember details and craft convincing stories.

23. Lustig once conned Al Capone. He convinced the notorious gangster to invest $50,000 in a fake business venture, then returned the money, claiming the deal had fallen through. This act earned Capone's trust and a $5,000 reward.

24. He wrote a list of "Ten Commandments for Con Men". These guidelines included rules like "Never boast" and "Never get drunk."

25. Lustig's real name was Robert V. Miller. He used numerous aliases throughout his life to avoid detection.

26. He was known as "The Count". This nickname stemmed from his habit of posing as European nobility.

27. Lustig once faked his own death. He staged a drowning to evade capture, only to resurface later under a new identity.

28. He had a photographic memory. This ability helped him remember details and craft convincing stories.

29. Lustig was an expert forger. He could replicate signatures and official documents with remarkable accuracy.

30. He once escaped from a moving train. While being transported to prison, Lustig managed to pick the lock on his handcuffs and jump from the train.

31. Lustig was a master of psychology. He understood human nature and used this knowledge to manipulate his victims.

32. He had a photographic memory. This ability helped him remember details and craft convincing stories.

33. Lustig once conned Al Capone. He convinced the notorious gangster to invest $50,000 in a fake business venture, then returned the money, claiming the deal had fallen through. This act earned Capone's trust and a $5,000 reward.

34. He wrote a list of "Ten Commandments for Con Men". These guidelines included rules like "Never boast" and "Never get drunk."

35. Lustig's real name was Robert V. Miller. He used numerous aliases throughout his life to avoid detection.

36. He was known as "The Count". This nickname stemmed from his habit of posing as European nobility.

37. Lustig once faked his own death. He staged a drowning to evade capture, only to resurface later under a new identity.

38. He had a photographic memory. This ability helped him remember details and craft convincing stories.

39. Lustig was an expert forger. He could replicate signatures and official documents with remarkable accuracy.

40. He once escaped from a moving train. While being transported to prison, Lustig managed to pick the lock on his handcuffs and jump from the train.

Victor Lustig's Legacy

Victor Lustig remains one of history's most fascinating con artists. His bold schemes and daring escapades continue to captivate those interested in the art of deception. Lustig's ability to sell the Eiffel Tower not once, but twice, showcases his unmatched confidence and cunning. His infamous "Ten Commandments for Con Men" still serve as a blueprint for understanding the psychology behind successful scams. Lustig's life, filled with intrigue and audacity, offers valuable lessons on human nature and the lengths some will go to achieve their goals. While his actions were undeniably criminal, the sheer brilliance of his cons has cemented his place in history. Lustig's story is a reminder of the thin line between genius and infamy. His legacy endures, a testament to the power of persuasion and the allure of the forbidden.