SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
SCARS™ Impersonation Victim Story: Lieutenant General Mark Hertling Speaks Out On Scams
Mark Hertling is a Retired Soldier. Author, speaker, contributor to leadership development, CNN analyst
He served for four decades as a leader, commander, and trainer in the US Army. His last posting prior to retirement in 2013 was as the Commander of US Army forces in Europe. Served 3 years in Combat, and had tours of duty commanding at both the Army’s National Training Center in California and the Joint Multinational Training Center in Germany. Commanded the 1st Armored Division and Task Force Iron in Northern Iraq during the surge, and revamped the Army’s Basic Soldier and Officer Training as part of Training and Doctrine Command.
Since retirement from the Army in 2013, contributed to global partnering between healthcare organizations in the US, Europe, and South America, and developed and executed an award-winning and publicized physician/healthcare leadership program within Florida Hospital. Executed physician leader programs at several other hospitals in the Midwest, South and Northwest US. Have been a keynote speaker on the topics of leadership, national security, and health for myriad professional, industry, scholastic and organizational forums.
Possesses Masters Degrees in Kinesiology (Indiana U), Military Arts and Sciences (SAMS), and National Security Strategy (NDU). Currently pursuing an Executive Doctorate in Business Administration at the Crummer School, Rollins College.
He Wrote “Growing Physician Leaders,” published by Rosetta Books, available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble »
Served as a member of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sport and Nutrition from 2013-2017 during the Obama Administration. Serves on the boards of the non-profits “Mission: Readiness” and “Operation Gratitude.” Appointed an adjunct scholar at the Modern War Institute, West Point. On the governing board of the Citrus Club in Orlando. Serves as a military and national security analyst for CNN.
Reprinted from Mark Hertling’s own post on LinkedIn:
Facebook is a failed social network and a failing business model.
Here’s my reason for saying that. Since retiring from the Army in 2013, I have reported over 2000 false profiles that were using my photos (available from the internet) and scamming people, and FAcebook did little to correct. It’s something that happens to a lot of retired general officers. I not only reported each issue to Facebook, I also reported this to the cyber crimes division of the FBI. There isn’t much they can do because the problem is so big and they have more important crimes to solve. What started as a great social networking tool has become a pariah because of scams, unauthorized use of personal data for advertising, Cambridge Analytica misdeeds, and a lack of authentication and regulation. @facebook is a failed organization and a failing business model. This morning I received a text from a friend that an individual using the name “LTG Sterling Clark, stationed in Iraq,” using photos of me, was requesting money from his 82 yo mother. I suggested he report, but based on my experience there’s a 70% chance nothing will happen. This has happened before, but in the three other situations the older woman had already sent the money…$12,000. My wife and I left FB 6 months ago, for good.
See more of Lieutenant General Mark Hertling’s photos here »
SCARS™ Team
A SCARS Division
Miami Florida U.S.A.
TAGS: Stolen Identity, Stolen Photos, Impersonation, Romance Scam, Fake Male, Imposter Scam, Love Scammer, Romance Scammer, Ghana Scammer, Nigerian Scammer, Fake Man, Fake Profile, Fake Identity, Lieutenant General, Mark Hertling, CNN, Advisor, United States Army, U.S. Army, Fake Soldier,
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FAQ: How Do You Properly Report Scammers?
It is essential that law enforcement knows about scams & scammers, even though there is nothing (in most cases) that they can do.
Always report scams involving money lost or where you received money to:
- Local Police – ask them to take an “informational” police report – say you need it for your insurance
- Your National Police or FBI (www.IC3.gov »)
- The SCARS|CDN™ Cybercriminal Data Network – Worldwide Reporting Network HERE » or on www.Anyscam.com »
This helps your government understand the problem, and allows law enforcement to add scammers on watch lists worldwide.
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Visit our NEW Main SCARS Facebook page for much more information about scams and online crime: www.facebook.com/SCARS.News.And.Information »
To learn more about SCARS visit www.AgainstScams.org
Please be sure to report all scammers HERE » or on www.Anyscam.com »
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SCARS, RSN, Romance Scams Now, SCARS|WORLDWIDE, SCARS|GLOBAL, SCARS, Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams, Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams, SCARS|ANYSCAM, Project Anyscam, Anyscam, SCARS|GOFCH, GOFCH, SCARS|CHINA, SCARS|CDN, SCARS|UK, SCARS Cybercriminal Data Network, Cobalt Alert, Scam Victims Support Group, are all trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated.
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ARTICLE META
Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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