Topic : 01/23 Con Artists and Thieves

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Created on : Friday, January 18, 2008, 02:25:02 pm
Author : DrPhilBoard1
From petty theft to check fraud, Dr. Phil’s guests say they’re addicted to stealing, and it’s destroying their families. Casey says he’s been pilfering for 16 years and has ripped off groceries, appliances, DVDs -- even one of Dr. Phil’s books! Casey estimates that he’s stolen nearly $100,000 in merchandise and says his estranged brother, Zack, is clueless about the extent of his criminal activity. How does Zack respond when Casey reveals another deep, dark secret? Will the brothers be able to reconcile, and will Casey change his thieving ways? And, Micki says she uses her good looks to get jewelry and credit card numbers from men, but her kids have no idea she leads a secret life as a con artist. Recently, she was arrested for stealing $10,000 in a check fraud scheme. Find out why one friend says she deserves to be behind bars. Don’t miss Dr. Phil’s strong message for Micki. Join the discussion.

Find out what happened on the show.


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February 17, 2008, 10:27 am PST

01/23 Con Artists and Thieves

Assuming this ‘disorder’ accurately fits his psychology, what is causing his 'instability in self-image', etc? Like I said above, in examining an issue from a clinical perspective you can overlook the Human element.

 
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March 23, 2008, 11:45 pm PDT

Compassion for Casey

I have been watching Dr Phil since the beginning and it is rare that I ever completely disagree with him or am shocked by his responses, but today I was. (delayed telecast in Australia)

 

I thought I was hearing a very likely case of undiagnosed ADHD; a child who seemed to have so much potential but never achieved, sought high stimulation, described as an outsider, probably had low self esteem, probably told he was lazy or should know better than to behave that way his whole life.  Knowing he had the brains to do better, and frustratingly not understanding why he couldn't, and why he was drawn to these activities.  Of course, not everyone with this condition turns to stealing and sex addiction to fuel their need for stimulation, so he must take responsibility for his actions, but could we get the guy tested and (if it is ADHD) educated and medicated so he might have half a chance of taking more control over his life from now on???

 

Did you see the pain in his face when Dr Phil called him lazy?  I bet he was thinking, "#*&%$#!! - just like everyone else has told me in my life - how is hearing that supposed to help me!" and then later, just taking it and hoping Dr Phil has it right.  But Dr Phil is human and can make mistakes! 

 

I suggest Casey read "Driven to Distraction" (also published as "Attention Deficit Disorder") by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey.  His case would fit right in with that book, and I'd love the ending to be:

 

........."..A friend of Casey's read about adult ADHD on the message boards and told him about it, and so Casey was tested and found to have it.  He is now taking medication, has stopped stealing and sleeping around,  and is feeling better about himself than he has at any other time of his life.  Years have now passed and he is using his creativity and intellect to much better use, mentoring children with learning difficulties and is working as a consultant to government in developing delinquency prevention programs..."....

 

Casey, I believe you are a good person at heart, and I think you need to get to the bottom of why you do this when you don't want to.  How much would it mean to you, to know that you are not lazy, and don't have any greater sense of entitlement than the average person in the western world, but that it is something neurological that makes using your brain very difficult?  I pray that you can get out of this way of life.

 
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March 24, 2008, 12:09 am PDT

01/23 Con Artists and Thieves

Quote From: flthomcat

Sorry, but ADHD and criminal activity DO NOT go hand-in-hand.

 

I have taught ADHD kids and adults. I have a friend (older) who has ADHD and she uses all that energy and impulsiveness to teach church ministry classes!!!

 

There is NO LINK between ADHD and being a con-artist or thief. THAT is why Dr. Phil didn't even bring it up.

 

I have heard TOO MANY lousy parents make excuses for their kids, blaming ADHD, ADD and other things for their children's CRIMINAL behavior. There is NO LINK. Immorality has to do with criminal behavior. Well-brought-up kids act out in OTHER (non-criminal) ways!

I'm sure that the person you quoted did not mean that ADHD and criminal activity go hand in hand.  Just because all the people you know who have it are doing well with their lives does not mean that others aren't driven to do terrible things.  There are plenty of well meaning, devoted and educated parents whose children go astray for various reasons.

 

I am just so glad that I persevered to find out why my dreamy, distracted child would not respond to any of the normal structures and discipline that would encourage responsible behaviour in any other child.  Turned out he had ADHD and so do I.

 

Well brought up kids have less of a chance of becoming criminals, but it is narrow minded to think that none of them will.

 
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April 4, 2008, 8:41 am PDT

IDENTITY THEFT - PICKING UP THE PIECES AND RECOVERY

For those of us who are left with the troublesome tasks of cleaning up our credit history after becoming a victim of identity theft, you may benefit from reading one of my favorite books regarding credit reporting and credit scores:

 

 

The Road To 850:  Strategies For Increasing Your Credit Scores by Al Bingham

 

Receive a free copy of your credit report: 

www.annualcreditreport.com

 

Receive an accurate copy of your credit score for a fee (or ask your lender):  www.myfico.com

 

 

A common problem among the general public is the misunderstanding and misinformation about the free credit reports.  In 2003 Congress passed the Fair Credit Reporting Act (known as the FACT Act) which allows everyone the right to one free annual credit report from each credit bureau.  Everyone should utilize this opportunity to review the information from each of the three major credit bureaus - Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. 

 

Hope it helps!

 

 

 

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