Fraudster Elliot Castro tells his story

Anything goes with James English Ep/145
Fraudster Elliot Castro tells his story.
Elliot was a gifted outsider, a working-class kid with ambitions who wanted to live the high life but lacked the money to do so. Until, at the tender age of sixteen, he worked out how to use the credit card system to his advantage. Identifying the banks' security weaknesses, utilising his intelligence and charm, Elliot embarked on a massive 3 million pound spending spree. From London to New York, Ibiza to Beverly Hills, he lived the fantasy life, staying in famous hotels, flying first class, blowing a fortune on designer clothes. Time and time again Elliot managed to wriggle free of the numerous authorities who were on his tail, while his life spiralled out of control.
Elliot’s KZbin channel - / @elliotcastroooo
Elliot’s instagram - ...
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[@Gexrge_OSRS]

That English accent at 45:55 was impressive, and I'm English lmao.

[@Dansag10]

Some things are just fact. 2020 is a shite year FACT, james english smashes podcasts FACT !!!!

[@theallornothingpodcastwith4442]

No matter how much you have outside of yourself you’ll never be truly happy if you don’t go in 👌

[@matty6848]

Yes and to look yourself in the mirror and face your own fears is a big thing. But it helps to have self criticism in what we’re good at and what we’re shit at.

[@LyndonDykes64]

Even his stories sound fraudulent...

[@rosshill9619]

Nooooo way ! Scotlands first credit card fraudster !! Knew Elliott many years ago from Basement nights and The Unit. Looking forward to this one.

[@bobbydazzler1780]

Once the penny drops that he was being profiled by the police gathering evidence in the background over the Rolex receipt is the only time he pauses for breath and takes a drink. Nice one James!

[@matty6848]

Yeh it’s a big part of his life. I can imagine some parts are still raw!

[@npeasee5105]

Read his book. This guy was like catch me if you can part 2

[@matty6848]

I take it’s worth a read?

[@mrpmikc2505]

So he wrote down card numbers, expiry dates and took mother’s maiden name etc. What he never mentioned was how he obtained the physical credit cards with the account holders data on the magnetic strip? Where did he get the physical cards and how did he program the live account data onto the cards? This would be a question an interviewer would ask, surely?

[@67ibby]

He said he rang the banks and shipped new cards to new addresses

[@DH-jt7tk]

Remember that big lad running about Belfast back in the day. Loved a party

[@JamesEnglish]

🙌🏼

[@zeekltd]

Where abouts in belfast did he knock about ? Doesn't look familiar, bet he was popular down the local.....rounds for the pub on him lol (well on the person whos card details he was using)

[@graeme5060]

@@zeekltd With a population of 280,000. It's not surprising you didn't pick out one individual.

[@zeekltd]

@@graeme5060 Small world mate, espiecally what he was upto back then.

[@craig0101]

Interesting interview James. Glad I watched it. Shows that the root of most evil is money related, Merry Christmas James.

[@deanishere7237]

Absolutely amazing episode as ever James, I understand what he's saying when he doesn't feel sorry for the banks. God knows how much they have ripped me and many others off in fee's over the years.

[@matty6848]

The banks steal off all of us. And when they go bust because of their reckless behaviour were expected to bail them out. Just like in 2008 when we had the big crash😡

[@lindagallagher3711]

Great podcast James really enjoyed it. Elliot is so likeable watched his story on Tv brilliat

[@robintaylor8450]

I've never heard of him before but the description of the podcast looks interesting so should be a good one thanks James English 👌👍

[@JamesEnglish]

👍🏼

[@aljomc6444]

@@JamesEnglish I worked at Diners Club when he defrauded them around 1999/2000

[@macfonty]

Moral of the story: A life of crime always catches up to you. Cheers for this one James, hope it shows people that doesn’t matter how sneaky or far you get in this kinda crime......you’ll always be paranoid and never truly be happy in the moment!

[@matty6848]

Yes it’s like former gangsters. Many of them say they had loads of money, nice cars, nice houses and women but always looking over their shoulder for the Police or enemies to take them out. No way to live!

[@SEANPOL203]

Indeed, a simple lifestyle with peace of mind is the best option but these people don’t want that until they’ve tried the criminal life

[@Olivia-dx3lv]

Another great interview James! Such an interesting story.

[@jj-dg9uc]

Look a little tired on here james. I hope it's down to partying and not working too hard brother. Over working can mess you up as bad as overpartying 😂

[@pauluss1053]

oooohhhh read this guys book years ago when on holiday and was a good read. looking forward to this one james :)

[@GavBrownMakinaPosse]

He wisney lying at the start when he said he didney find daft things funny. Got the personality of a brick wall fs

[@itellyouwhy6957]

I'd like to see how you'd come across in an interview environment that will be viewed by hundreds of thousands...

[@GavBrownMakinaPosse]

@@itellyouwhy6957 dont talk pish. Its not his first rodeo

[@itellyouwhy6957]

@@GavBrownMakinaPosse You've got a face for the rodeo.

[@HH-hd5dn]

No way was in forrest bank with this lad I'm sure he tried chatting me up on the sly felt sorry for him the manny lads took his tag Watch

[@peteranddevon]

This fella is an absolute spoofer

[@Scottishdevil98]

James’ Glaswegian accent really comes out when he has a Scottish guest on

[@LteasAVFC]

Horrible accent... i love James but his accent lets him and his show down for me. BUT, saying that im still one of his biggest fans.

[@rickypalmer1167]

Or he’s just aware that he needs to adjust for English to understand - true pro

[@marklee9650]

Congratulations on the 200k Subs James never in doubt always keeping it real with the variety of guests, you have taken over and will continue to grow.

[@JamesEnglish]

Thanks brother

[@HIGHCLASSBOSS]

Just got a new subscriber! Great content... love this interview

[@JamesEnglish]

👍🏼

[@StoodersFam]

Kiting became very difficult from the late 90s onwards, this fella took it to them

[@jimmyalbagubrath9896]

Think we have all dreamt of doing it. Top quality James

[@divcee42]

His name is an anagram for “Lot A Lies R Cot”🤣

[@vvk521]

Heard this guys story on vice. Always love the Scottish guests keep them coming 👌

[@sethdoesworldtravelandtake4884]

Gotta love the jocks in it

[@matty6848]

I couldn’t care less where their from. If they have a interesting story I’ll listen.

[@vvk521]

@@matty6848 Of course but being from Scotland it is interesting to see scottish guests & stories.

[@mikestepz3945]

This is my favourite podcast to date. Very interesting guy, thanks James!

[@JamesEnglish]

👍🏼

[@connormcmanus3665]

Did 50 cent not bring him a bottle of champagne??

[@bazzamcclafferty3006]

how did he get the cards and info after he got sack3ed is what i dont understand

[@frandevereaux]

In his book he says one of the methods he used was to phone hotels and ask to get put through to a Mr Smiths room for example then once connected he’d say he was from reception and they just wanted to double check his card details. That’s one way he obtained the info. He had a few different scams on the go. The book is superb. Well worth a read.

[@segway1734]

At least the title doesn't say GANGSTA. Only gangster I've seen on any of these podcasts has been Paul Ferris.

[@WafcPassion]

Define gangster? I’d say Darren Gee is one of the most raw criminals he’s ever had on

[@connormcenhill6090]

Great podcast, my first experience with fraud was on a train as well, used to use the scanner in work to scan my mates monthly zonecard lol saved me 90 quid a month

[@rabmc]

That’s odd a week ago I asked for this podcast and here it is.

[@JamesEnglish]

😉🙌🏼

[@rabmc]

@@JamesEnglish I refuse to believe in coincidences 😆 I’m taking 50% credit for this!

[@zeekltd]

@@JamesEnglish james works that way.... madness, never has similar guests on at all. Same thing happened to me with darren till just as was thinking he would have some underworld guy on next!....... BOOM WE'RE ON!

[@William.Tyndale1381]

Loved this great interview

[@JamesEnglish]

Cheers mate

[@leeelson7441]

This is one gripping interview, would love a part 2 with more details of how he did it. Cheers James 👌🏼

[@JohnnyFantaOrange]

Yes, how did he constantly get the numbers over years and make the cards.

[@legofproductions1]

@@JohnnyFantaOrange It’s all detailed in his book - ‘Other People’s Money’. Basically he did stuff like call posh hotels, ask for a Mr Smith or Mr Jones. If there was such a person staying there, when he got put through he made out he was calling from reception saying there were problems with that person’s credit card in paying for hotel bills. Then he would get that person to give him all their personal details. Then he would make out everything is ok and after putting the phone down, Castro would then call that person’s bank saying he’d lost "his" (Mr Smith’s) credit card. The bank would send him a new card to Castro’s address and hey presto - a rich man’s credit card with 0000’s to burn!!!!! Only problem with that scheme was that his digital fingerprints were everywhere and authorities caught up with him on many occasions. What’s misleading is that he didn’t do just one prison sentence of 2 years, he went to prison many times including once in Canada where he had to sleep on the floor beside a toilet! The book’s a great read!!

[@JohnnyFantaOrange]

@@legofproductions1 thanks I’ll check it out

[@theirishmagnetire8169]

Just waiting for the missus to go to bed so I can watch this in peace 👐👐 .. your on fire Mr English have a good Christmas

[@matty6848]

Same with me. I can’t watch anything with the missus around because she just continues to blabber on about shit I’m not interested in even when I clearly have my headphones on. I’m thinking “you just shut up & fuck off to bed”😂

[@frandevereaux]

I read his book a few years ago. Couldn’t put it down.

[@bluesky9577]

Great podcast James. Interesting story from Elliot... explained his story so well! Thanks James.

[@webbychelt]

yes james english another cracking podcast mate, please get GERRY CINNAMON on !!!!!!!

[@Thcj1973]

Honestly havnt heard of this guy but in james we trust. No doubt this interview will be as good as all the rest

[@DynamiteKid21]

Pretty sure Vice have done a short doc on him, if you like this you should give it a watch.

[@Thcj1973]

@@DynamiteKid21 thanks Nathan il definitely give it a watch. Enjoyed the podcast with elliot alot, very interesting guy and comes accros well

[@matty6848]

Neither did I but his story fascinating. Defo going to buy his book👍

[@porridgeable]

This is a great interview, not just because Elliot is a great talker but because I actually had dealings with him. In 2000/2001, I was working at Strathclyde Union when he was caught dipping someones hand bag. As a Manager, I had to deal with the incident. When caught, he just sat down and didn't say a word. Waited patiently and calmly for the Police, who took him away and charged him. A couple of months later, I was called as a witness for his trial but, he failed to appear. I was shitting myself with the thought of having to stand up in a courtroom but was still a bit pissed off with the acceptance from the police and courts that it wasn't surprising he didn't show up. A year or so later, I saw his name in the papers... he was on a train when a woman fell Ill and he pretended to be a Doctor...charges were brought against him for that. My point is, I'm delighted he's turned his life around.. fair play to him but, he left a lot of damage behind him...and we all pay for Fraud with the ridiculous charges they pass on to consumers. All said and done though, I wish him the best of luck.

[@gordwilkes]

I met him when he was in jail in Toronto before his deportation. He still wouldn't stop hustling on the inside... LOL

[@kevinparsons8550]

This guy is only the 2nd guest James has has on that I really disliked, Alex Reid being the other. The majority of guests are reformed faces/hardman/gangstas who's victims were other like minded crims. He made no reference to the poor families who he stole from and the special occasions his crimes would've affected. Banks do not resolve fraud crimes quickly. Some families would've relied on credit facilities for emergencies and special occasions or some parents might only have the money stolen on a bankcard. He states he has no guilt for the banks he stole from but does not make reference to the poor families he stole from - scumbag

[@kevinparsons8550]

I have heard Courtney's crap lots of times before so never watched him on here and Lambo is in the top 4 or 5 but to be fair, on James' pod he was a little bit humble in places. Cockerill is the top 1 by far

[@BUZZCLIPS1]

Four police cars raced to the hotel to arrest him in the room that no one checked into ,,,,,,, I smell shite

[@jameswestley7502]

Once again another corking interview

[@eleanorwalmsley635]

What an exhilarating story, must have been wild to live it, would make a great film... What a humble guy, he might not have done the correct thing, but now he's doing the right thing... Thank you for sharing.. Well done James, the world needs these colourful characters, he lived like a lottory winner, on the edge.

[@grudeman]

Great podcast! keep up the great work 👍 there is a guy I seen on crime watch uk, and I listened to a podcast about him called "paul bint" aka "king con" he is one of the most prolific conman I've ever heard of not so much what he stole but just the fact that the guy never seems to quit even after being caught time and time again. I'd absolutely love to hear a podcast with him if any of your contacts know him he'd be amazing to get on.

[@anthonyeverett5375]

This is fantastic. Might well be the best one yet.

[@JamesEnglish]

👍🏼

[@anthonyeverett5375]

@@JamesEnglish im becoming worryingly obsessed with your podcasts!! Brilliant mate. Keep going!!

[@nellychaz7037]

Read his book. Really good. Cant wait to watch the whole interview

[@JamesEnglish]

👍🏼

[@markymark1940]

This was immense james, give it Time brother I'm from the central belt in Scotland and an avid joe rogan fan. You keep up the Good work mate and you'll explode onto the scene all over the world. Your my new first podcast I search for. Top class ma man keep up the hard work 💪

[@MsTygame]

He doesn’t need Joe R to make him, he’s made on his own.

[@markymark1940]

@@MsTygame I never said he did big difference tho joe R has a Spotify deal for 150million I was admiring his channel and comparing him to maybe a role model. I'm sure James recognises that all compliments from this end

[@cmack3233]

What a story man heavy enjoyed that fair play 👏

[@JamesEnglish]

👍🏼

[@jaketaylor5193]

Fucking class podcast. Deserves a lot more views and likes, mint story again James.

[@lucasmax37]

I read other peoples money about 10 years ago..... Great to hear the story from the horses mouth so to say ..... Great book and a great interview !

[@SuburbanSufficiency]

Is it just me or does James look stoned on this one

[@andymcnab2.0]

Once a fraudster, always a fraudster The temptation is way to much.

[@Henson-xl3qv]

Get a vibe from this guy that hes a genuine snake

[@joedjsymphony]

Always looking got loop holes ?

[@TheSincereb11]

got that same feeling

[@matty6848]

Or was a snake? The fact he’s openly admitted his wrong doings and now works as a consultant to stop others what he did must show something? But I’m only guessing because I simply don’t know the bloke.

[@jwallabaddabingbaddoboomgu257]

I don't. You can kinda see in his eyes he lacks confidence x

[@imreallydead.23]

Interesting guest fair play james

[@stephendocherty3502]

His book is excellent and goes into a lot more detail about his crazy life.

[@richardwilliams7218]

Amazing vlog James 👍👍you will be the number one keep it going mate don’t give up with all what’s going on you have an amazing talent we all have issues but watching ur vlogs makes us happy big thumbs up to Darren he is amazing 👍👍

[@SmokeNMirrors470]

These interviews should be shown in schools. It could avoid a lot of children going down the wrong path and how it ends.

[@JamesEnglish]

❤️

[@theginge75]

What a great interview. top lad this guy and really humble and interesting

[@SarahSmith-ym9ri]

Top lad lol? He's a down right Thieving liar and attention seeker.

[@theallornothingpodcastwith4442]

🙌☝️

[@JamesEnglish]

🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@gordwilkes]

I met Elliot when he was in the old Don Jail in Toronto, Canada. He was in a cell was my good friend Neil P. He was lucky to have my friend there as a cell mate. But one of the great stories his time in the Don Jail, he was calling me at my home to do the three way call from the jailhouse and I was trying to connect him down to hotels in the US that he could pull his game on... Elliot's game was game... He would pretend he was from front desk/ reception and say, "Your credit card card isn't working can I try it again?" And we closed in on some dude in Columbus, Ohio once, almost had him. But I learned the hustle... And at the end of the day, to complete one of his jail house hustles, you'd need someone to go to a Western Union once it's all done and pick up a certified cheque. He had that game down... Elliot talked quick and moved quicker. But he had a hard time in Toronto. He'll never want to come back to this city ever again...

[@coboyes6741]

Your podcasts get me through so many gruelling shifts, very much appreciated James, keep it up!

[@JamesEnglish]

👍🏼

[@oliviaharding6518]

The wolf of argyle street brilliant 🤣

[@grantdevon98]

James ........Battlefield ....NO ......Barrowfield ......😂😂😂........I’m from battlefield ,l knew this lad and his family he seems a lot more contempt with himself now which is nice too see..

[@mrpmikc2505]

Exactly Grant, a Maryhill boy calling Battlefield what he did is kind of ironic eh. Grew up in Battlefield myself, sound place.

[@Elliott.Revell]

Ooooooooooo. His book is one of my fave stories. This is fucking awesome

[@JamesEnglish]

👍🏼

[@ikykh654]

James english get kieron proverb on your pod cast. It will be superb for both of you guy's

[@matty6848]

Is it worth a read?

[@Elliott.Revell]

@@matty6848 defo and a lot more revealing than the interview. I feel like James needs to do a part 2 it barley scratched the surface.

[@dg-bd1hj]

This guy cant remember much ffs. You get guests on like big brian the tax man who has sniffed more gear than you james been battered about the head shot stabbed and can remember more facts than walter mitty here

[@markymark1940]

Get David Attenborough on no one has ever managed aknow it's maybe not your scene but if you read into him he's done illegal stuff years ago you do this i could nearly promise you millions subscribers instantly

[@bigal2417]

He said never carry 2 cards in different names but keeping 1 card and his passport is ok. 😅

[@georgecroney6168]

Just the 1 they can't prove 100% hes guilty and will let him go after questioning, it's lucky break after lucky break till it all adds up and catches you in the end

[@robertfield4001]

Now, the only cards he gets are Christmas and Birthday cards

[@elliotcastroooo]

🤣🤣🤣 you’re right!

[@DMWBN3]

I used to work at American Express Centurion Card when it first come out in 99-2000. There was access to numerous high net worth individuals & A-list celebrities. To say security was lax is an understatement.

[@204477]

Fantastic interview. Great guest. James yours is the best podcast on youtube. Cheers fella. 🙏👍

[@JamesEnglish]

Thanks paul

[@TheOnly1JLDN]

Is he not worried about how much money he stole off actual peoples cards considering he only done 1 week and two years ?

[@garytaylor1020]

Great stuff Mr English Easy come easy go

[@Annemarie01967]

Can’t make my mind up about this guy ...

[@Akmedhussa]

Imagine you went to buy something from the shop and your card is declined cause this scumbag had emptyed you life savings. you would make your mind up then!

[@Akmedhussa]

@ian humphreys still a thieving shit bag these people need to get a proper honest job!

[@Annemarie01967]

@@Akmedhussa I meant cant make up my mind if he’s a bit of a fantasist

[@Akmedhussa]

Still profiting off his crimes writing a book going on podcasts bragging, if I'd done these sort of things to people I wouldn't be advertising it to everyone. I just don't get it!

[@Annemarie01967]

@@Akmedhussa to be honest there’s worse out there. People bragging about how many murders they were” alleged” to have committed.but now they give talks to schools etc so that makes it all ok 🤷‍♂️

[@georgecroney6168]

Fraudsters are born liars so idk if I believe every word but what a fucking story catch me if you can

[@paulsimpson8255]

Itay must be well shit because i heard glasgow is ruff 3 brothers come to ur estate late 80s an terrorised the place 🤣

[@nicholasross7044]

Housekeeping often have walkie talkies - they were prob just cleaning his room

[@clannish5809]

Interestin guy, nice to have Scottish guests :)

[@kieran7011]

Merry Christmas James and all the best for the new year

[@liamalexander8638]

Seen his vice documentary, this shall be good,

[@sevenfree7753]

Whoever did the picture for this video did elliot dirty his head looks like one of those 'Christmas Island statues" 😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆

[@mikemike5973]

I read his book years ago

[@antonoat]

Much respect to Elliot for his honesty, hopefully others can learn from his story So easy to be judgemental, an open mind lets you see what's important in these types of situations, most of us don't know the answers until we've had life experience.

[@rja7069]

Incredible interview, more of this please! Great work James!

[@craigh2299]

what i found strange was not a mention of a women in this playboy lifestyle 🤷‍♂️

[@Bobbibouchersmumwasright]

James loved this one.... couple of recommendations... Fat Tony (rave scene DJ ..maaaaad stories)!! Or Terry Stone (rave promoter actor ect... that time in history 88-95ish holds thousands of interesting stories 👍🏼💯

[@JamesEnglish]

Fat tony has been on 👍🏼

[@matty6848]

Yes Terry Stone must have some great stories to tell!!

[@Bobbibouchersmumwasright]

@@JamesEnglish 🤣🤣🤣🤣👍🏼

[@keithhamilton1907]

Frank Abigail eat yer heart out🤣🤣🤣brilliant podcast james!

[@fightorflight2024]

I’d kinda trust this guy being on the fraud prevention team at Nationwide. Good story some fucked up people out there, not many actually change their lives around for a positive impact.

[@nz_kiwi4836]

Hi from New Zealand

[@jenb8378]

Crazy story, loved listening to Elliot. Brilliant guest x

[@JamesEnglish]

👍🏼

[@JayChadwickRugby]

Let's GO!!!

[@davidcochrane9287]

This has been great .A great change from your previous guests. In the end you do the crime. You do the time .Greetings from Yoker James .

[@JamesEnglish]

Cheers davie

[@AussieAmy]

GREAT INTERVIEW!!! I’d love to read the book.. Very intelligent guy.

[@frandevereaux]

I read the book a few years back, it’s the only book I’ve ever read where I couldn’t wait to read a chapter in my bed. It’s one helluva story. He only scratches the surface in this interview.

[@AussieAmy]

@@frandevereaux I’ll have to have a look for the book over here in Australia! I could imagine that it would be one of those books that are hard to put down..Thanks for letting me know.

[@jimmybucketsm8419]

Am I thick ? Where was he getting cards from when he was in Canada and how wasn’t he getting caught 😂

[@matty6848]

I love how the jocks say “just now” and “so” at the beginning of a sentence. My cousins up in Glasgow do exactly the same😂

[@LteasAVFC]

I read ypur comment before starting this show. And Jeeeezzzzz.... i couldnt stop hearing "SO SO SO SO SO" or "BASICALLY" .... WTF 🤣🤣

[@rickypalmer1167]

And - that’s another sentence starter

[@mrbig2501]

Great interview 👍 excellent story

[@w2tto]

How was he getting the cards as he only had the note book back in the day you would have a post man boxed off

[@stephenrowe4113]

Mad story, but it shows crime and dishonesty does pay, he is still bearing fruit from his criminal past.

[@fortniteboss2837]

If I don't know the guest who's being interviewed it still gets watched because all your pod casts are fire James 👍👍