Reprinted with permission of author ex-POW
Honorable Thomas Collins III, USAF RET
Captured 10/18/65
Released 02/12/73.
The following are proven indicator test for phony or bogus military/veteran stories,
persons, publications, audio-visual presentation, speakers, etc.
"IT" refers to person making a claim or to the story being told.
1. IT is dependent on belief in a secret duty or mission which is
so confidential that no record exists and "if I told you I would have to then shoot
you; then myself"; but they go on to tell anyway being
careful not to tell anything which could be used for easy verification.
2. IT is based on obscure, little known, or mysterious
circumstances, events, locations, and organizations. Other people in the story are usually
"they" and you never know who "they" are.
3. IT is based on or requires belief in some bizarre grand and
incredible, usually evil, conspiracy. Remember, the only thing "grand or
incredible" about such conspiracies is how false, fabricated, and
unfounded they are.
4. IT claims mysterious, powerful influences, contacts, and
connections. Usually "they" is used but often "name dropping" of well
known persons such as public officials who are reluctant to deny they know someone.
5. IT is a "loner" and there is no one else around such
as old army buddies who know the person or the story, i.e., seems to have no old friends
from the past. Yet, IT is very able and willing to make new
friends, tell the story, and join groups such as veterans' organizations.
6. IT is infatuated or infected with heroic, bizarre, and
mysterious "war stories" and symbols of glory such as: claims of revered,
respected deeds and duty; awards and metals; and titles of position.
7. IT is directly or indirectly seeking, soliciting, or being
willing to accept money or gratuities such as: fund raising; selling books or tapes;
receiving paid travel; and seeking esteemed status of some nature based on the
extraordinary story.
8. IT has no documentation, avoids the subject of documentation, or
has some excuse as to why documentation does not exist or is not available in situations
where IT is normally expected or required.
9. IT has documentation too readily available and too anxious to
present IT and have IT accepted especially in situations where documentation is not
expected or required. This is the "I know you don't believe me but I can prove
it" syndrome. Such documentation is often bogus, falsified, or
forged. Typical examples are: DD 214's (military discharge), awards and honors,
appointment letters, and memberships in something that sounds good but is not commonly
known.
10. IT seems just too unusual, heroic, or meritorious to be true.
Just like in consumer and investment advise: "If IT sounds too good to be true IT
usually is. "
If IT fails any one of these tests there is room for caution, suspicion, and further
investigation. If any two or more tests are failed stop right there; you already know the
answer.
The basic principals of these tests can also be used to detect
phonies, frauds, and bogus schemes in many other situations and environments.
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