Victor Lustig, the infamous Hungarian con artist, was born on April 1, 1890, in Hostinne, Austria-Hungary. From a young age, Lustig showed a talent for deception and manipulation, traits that would later serve him well in his criminal activities.
As a young man, Lustig moved to the West, where he honed his skills in various scams. He quickly garnered a reputation for his quick wit, charm, and ability to speak multiple languages fluently. It was on the ocean liners between Paris and New York City that Lustig perfected his trade, preying on unsuspecting victims with his smooth talk and persuasive tactics.
One of Lustig's most notorious scams involved selling the Eiffel Tower – not once, but twice. Using forged government documents and a convincing sales pitch, he managed to con gullible investors into believing that they were purchasing the iconic Paris landmark. By the time the authorities caught wind of the scheme, Lustig had already disappeared with a hefty sum of money in his possession.
In addition to his Eiffel Tower scam, Lustig was also known for his money-printing machine con. He would demonstrate a device that supposedly could duplicate banknotes, luring in unsuspecting individuals who were eager to get rich quick. Lustig would disappear with their money before they realized they had been duped.
Lustig was credited with writing "The Ten Commandments for Con Men," a set of rules that outlined the principles of successful deception. Some of these commandments included always appearing interested, never getting drunk, echoing another person's beliefs, and exercising patience when listening. These rules were instrumental in helping Lustig pull off his elaborate cons with ease.
Despite his criminal activities, Lustig also had a personal life. He had a mistress named Billy May, who eventually turned on him after discovering his infidelities. It was her betrayal that led to Lustig's eventual arrest by the police.
Victor Lustig's name lives on in infamy as one of the greatest con artists of all time. His audacious schemes and slick demeanor earned him a place in history as "The man who sold the Eiffel Tower. Twice." His ability to deceive, manipulate, and charm his way to riches remains a cautionary tale for those who encounter smooth talkers and empty promises.
One of Lustig's most audacious cons involved persuading the notorious gangster Al Capone to invest $50,000 in a stock deal. Capone, impressed by Lustig's charisma and persuasive abilities, fell victim to the con artist's schemes, losing a significant sum of money in the process.
Victor Lustig's life was a rollercoaster of deception, intrigue, and audacity. Though his criminal activities eventually caught up with him, his legacy as a master con artist lives on in the annals of history.