I need to say a little about how this slim volume came about. I worked as a prosecutor for over 14 years. I was responsible, at least on the legal side, for more than a few frauds getting their just deserts. I became intrigued by the phenomenon of the fraudster, and I was fascinated by their endless ability to come up with plausible excuses and pretexts. I realised they had a black talent I didn't have. Yet, I am not sure I thought they were any cleverer than I or the other prosecutors were. So why and where were they different?I started to see that the fraudster has a particular psychology, a particular outlook which fosters the development of certain innate qualities without encouraging the growth of other innate qualities. That was the first thing.

But then, little by little, I began to see that all of us have these innate qualities within us. However, most of us wish to develop our other talents, not those of the fraudster. I perceived, too, that elements of fraudulent behaviour are all around us. It is obvious to everyone that the only difference between a criminal sitting in gaol and some of the wonders enjoying the high life in expensive restaurants is that the second lot have not been detected, charged and convicted. I am not talking about garden variety lying: saying that you came from England when you came from Melbourne.I am talking about fraud: a deliberate attempt to deceive, aiming to induce others to do what the fraudster desires.