Deeper Dives into the Scam Industry: Corruption and Deception in Military-Related Sectors

Throughout my tenure in the PhD Psych program, I encountered a dark side of the military and research industry, rife with deceit and dishonesty. The scam industry is vast and encompasses a variety of deceptions, from romance scams to twisted psychological manipulations aimed at exploiting victims. This article delves into the different types of scams, revealing the genuine harm they cause to individuals and the insidious nature of the perpetrating entities.

The Scam Landscape

The scam industry is a complex web of deception that permeates various sectors, including the armed forces, academia, and online platforms. In the context of military research, individuals and groups exploit military affiliations and resources to carry out a range of fraudulent activities. From unscrupulous recruiters to covert stancers, the damage caused to victims can be profound and long-lasting.

Varieties of Scams

The scam industry is a dynamic and evolving landscape. Some of the most common types of scams within this sector include:

Romance Scams

Romance scams involve the manipulation of romantic relationships for financial or personal gain. These scams often involve criminals creating false identities to engage in long-term emotional entanglements, leading victims to disclose sensitive information or provide financial support. The perpetrators may use photos of acquaintances or even photoshopped images to create a facade of authenticity.

Pickup Line Scams

Other scams involve using the military connection as a pickup line, making false claims about service experiences or military ranks to garner attention or manipulate potential victims. These individuals often have no genuine involvement with military service but leverage the trust and respect associated with the armed forces to gain social or financial advantage.

First-Hand Accounts

During my time working as a research assistant at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, I encountered numerous firsthand examples of scams. The individuals involved in these scams used a variety of tactics, from false claims of military service to outright deception. Here are some examples that highlight the prevalence of these fraudulent activities:

False Claims of Military Service

Some of the individuals I met on the base claimed extensive military experience in order to conduct predatory behavior. For instance:

Mike Eschleman claimed to be stationed in Thailand but couldn't provide the correct currency exchange rate. Ryan Riffle pretended to be an aviation mechanic but couldn't offer accurate height estimates. John S. C. Deming falsely claimed to be a disabled veteran with 'war wounds,' despite the injury being a fabricated story about a gym accident.

These false claims exposed these individuals as frauds and highlighted the potential harm they could cause to unsuspecting victims.

The Research Experience

My initial interest in the research field was purely scientific and ambitious. I sought to engage in advanced and respectable research projects, backed by solid funding and led by knowledgeable professionals. However, the reality proved far more disheartening. The environment was fraught with deceit and apathy from both military officers and civilian staff.

Exploitation and Deception

The advisors and employers I encountered were more concerned with personal gain than the quality of research or genuine professional development. They used deceptive tactics and unfulfilled promises to manipulate and waste the time and efforts of the participants. One particularly notable example was:

Slippery advisors offered minimal genuine support while stripping participants of resources and opportunities. They denied access to essential training and discounted benefits, such as housing and on-base pricing. Underpaid and overworked, participants were forced to work excessive hours with no overtime pay, despite claiming federal funding.

The terms used by these manipulative individuals, such as 'glacial pace' and 'delta massive fckup,' exposed the reality of a failed system more interested in maintaining the facade of a prestigious program than actual progress.

The Impact on Victims

The consequences of these scams extend far beyond financial losses. Psychological manipulation and emotional trauma can leave lasting scars. The harassment and stalking from individuals like cross-eyed James Christensen, Gene Alarcon, and Malingering Creeper Cambron added layers of distress, making it almost impossible to escape the corrupt environment.

Stalking and Harassment

Harassment from supervisors and ex-partners with criminal records severely affected my personal and professional life. These perpetrators continued to harm the victims even after leaving the base and experienced a legal system that failed to provide adequate protection. Their actions highlighted the inadequacy of current regulations and the need for stronger victim support measures.

Lessons from the Experience

While the experience was traumatic, it provided a valuable lesson on the importance of due diligence in any venture related to military research. The tragic outcomes of these scams serve as a stark reminder of the need for rigorous vetting of all parties involved and robust oversight mechanisms to prevent further exploitation.

Conclusion

The scam business is a multifaceted and insidious industry that requires public awareness and proactive measures to address its impact. By sharing personal stories and exposing the deceptions, it is hoped that others can learn from these experiences and advocate for stricter regulations and support for victims. The legacy of deceit in military-related sectors must not be tolerated, and a call for change is imperative.