Cybersecurity Expert & Deception Specialist Keynote Speaker
Described as “a master of the deceptive arts” and hailed as a genius by Derren Brown, James Freedman is one of the world’s most unusual and captivating corporate performers. Blending extraordinary showmanship with deep expertise in criminology and the psychology of deception, he delivers unforgettable keynote experiences centred on scams, theft, fraud and cybersecurity.
Driven by a childhood experience of “injustice,” James devoted his life to studying criminals, con-men and fraudsters. Today, he uses digital dexterity and mental agility to both entertain and educate audiences - revealing just how easily security can be compromised, and what organisations can do to protect themselves.
His critically acclaimed one-man show, James Freedman: Man of Steal, was a sell-out success at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, before transferring to Menier Chocolate Factory Theatre and later to Trafalgar Studios in London’s West End. He has performed at the London Palladium, at 10 Downing Street, and by Royal Command - regularly “stealing the show” (and almost everything else).
Why Book James Freedman?
Organisations book James Freedman for a keynote experience that combines high-impact entertainment with powerful lessons in cybersecurity and fraud prevention.
• Demonstrates how easily security can be breached
Exposes social engineering and modern scam techniques
• Strengthens fraud awareness and resilience
Inspires confidence, opportunity-spotting and risk reduction
• Unique blend of education, psychology and unforgettable live performance
Keynote Topics
James’ presentations are tailored and commonly cover:
• Cybersecurity and fraud prevention
• Social engineering and persuasion
• The psychology of deception
• Risk awareness and behavioural vulnerability
• Opportunity spotting and confident decision-making
Signature Keynote
James Freedman: Man of Steal
Direct from London’s West End, private performances of this ground-breaking show are available for conferences, corporate events and training days.
At every performance of his sell-out show, James stole the identity of someone in the audience - so convincingly that instead of arresting him, the City of London Police appointed him as the first UK Fraud Prevention Ambassador.
Based on a lifetime spent studying deception, Man of Steal delivers far more than improved fraud resilience. Through astonishing live demonstrations, James reveals how easily he can pick a pocket, clone a credit card, hack a phone or access sensitive data - before showing audiences how to close those vulnerabilities.
The result is a keynote that is thrilling, eye-opening and deeply practical, leaving organisations better equipped to reduce risk while thinking bigger and acting smarter.
Media & Advisory Work
James presented a regular slot on the Police 5, demonstrating the latest scams and how to avoid them. His television appearances include:
This Morning
CNN International
The Wright Stuff
ITV News
Sky News
BBC Breakfast
Behind the scenes, James has worked as a specialist adviser, teaching the secrets of deception to actors including Helena Bonham Carter, Ben Kingsley, Ian McKellen, Edward Norton and Rachel Weisz.
He also served as a special adviser on the hit Hustle, and his work earned an Intermedia-Globe-Silver Award at the WorldMediaFestival.
Ideal For
James Freedman is ideal for:
Corporate conferences
Cybersecurity and risk summits
Financial services events
Fraud awareness and compliance training
Leadership and decision-making forums
His ability to defeat hi-tech security using low-tech methods makes him a compelling and credible speaker for organisations serious about protecting themselves in an increasingly complex digital world.
Book James Freedman
To book James Freedman or discuss availability and fees, contact Professional Guest Speakers for expert support and tailored recommendations.
