The Chase Wave &#8211; The Underground Bunker

“A little bulletin here: Aussies, hang your head in shame! All through the Commonwealth with the greatest of ease, I was able to slow down this government raid on the church in Washington, but not in Australia. You see, the lines go straight from Australia to the United States and back and forth. And the whole rigged government release in Washington landed scram-bang into the press in Australia. So Australia is a seething mess of ‘God ‘elp us’ now, and somebody from the Australian syndicate is coming down to see me tomorrow, and they want to know all about it. I’m not going to tell them very much beyond a fascist government raided a church. I’ll tell them, Be very, very careful, though, because apparently there’s a million dollars in the offing to fight this in the United States. They actually got all kinds of leads and money pouring in like mad from all directions, and the situation looks very dark for the United States.” — L. Ron Hubbard, January 10, 1963

——————–

“Bless AOLA! They held their trend and all the GDSes continue to go up like rockets and their GI is over $41,000. They’re a great team, and we admire them.” — The Commodore, January 10, 1971

——————–

“It all just makes it real to me of what LRH says on OT2 about the effect of implants and also just how well the CIA has hijacked the tech for both the church and FZ. What I have been witnessing is one huge confusion. It will require one seriously strong being to find the stable datum around which all else will unconfuse. And then we will still have fucknuts insisting that their version is the only correct one. Much like the circus called Christianity.”

——————–

2001: New Times Los Angeles published letters to the editor this week in response to its cover story on Raul Lopez. “Scientology’s treatment of Raul Lopez is outrageous: New Times is to be commended for its courage in publishing Ron Russell’s article about how a disabled adult was taken advantage of by a litigious cult masquerading as a church. The analogy likening this young man to a girl being passed around at a Hell’s Angels party is very accurate. Scientology has gotten away with this type of behavior for too long. They have influenced public officials who are too lazy to research the cult’s long history of abuses. They have avoided responsibility for their actions by screaming ‘religious intolerance’ and calling anyone who protests them bigots. I would like to know what kind of religion includes taking advantage of the disabled as a religious tenet and right! I note that the Scientology lawyers are already trying to put the blame elsewhere, this time upon Lopez’s mother! And, of course, they imply that they are the victims of a pair of lawyers representing Lopez by denigrating them as self-proclaimed ‘cult busters.’ – Barb Graham, San Diego”

——————–

“Miscavige isn’t that old and he’s got plenty of money, real estate, and willing slaves to play with. I saw an interview with Pol Pot shortly before he died and it boiled down to him saying he wished he could do some things over but he did what he thought was best for the people of Cambodia. Miscavige is either a non-believer who thinks ‘suckers get what they deserve and if it wasn’t me somebody else would be fleecing these idiots’ or he’s a believer and thinks ‘Yes, I’ve been a strongman, but that’s what was necessary to insure the survival of this organization.’ Caesar or charlatan?”

——————–

Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Next hearing set for February 8. Trial scheduled for August 29, 2022.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), false imprisonment, aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Next hearing scheduled for January 18.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Pretrial conference January 22 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for February 11.
— Joseph ‘Ben’ Barton, Medicare fraud: Pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing.
— Yanti Mike Greene, Scientology private eye accused of contempt of court: Next hearing February 15.

Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Eleventh Circuit affirmed ruling granting Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Garcias considering next move.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ US Supreme Court denied Valerie’s petition Oct 4.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: California Supreme Court granted review on May 26 and asked the Second Appellate Division to direct Judge Steven Kleifield to show cause why he granted Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Oral arguments held November 2, awaiting a ruling.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for June 28, 2022.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Case appealed on Dec 23. Appeal hearing held Aug 23-27. Awaiting a ruling.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Lawsuit filed by the FTC and state of Georgia in August, now in discovery phase.

——————–

We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links, including our four days in Los Angeles covering the preliminary hearing and its ruling, which has Danny facing trial and the potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison.

After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.

An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.

Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?

——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Adding insult to injury, Valerie Haney faces a hearing for $160,000 in sanctions this week
[TWO years ago] Activists find Scientologist French police tried for years to question about 2006 suicide
[THREE years ago] Uh-oh. Someone trusted a whole bunch of money to a wealthy Scientologist.
[FOUR years ago] Xenu or Xemu? Here’s our take on one of Scientology’s galactic-wide mysteries
[FIVE years ago] Tonight on ‘Leah Remini’: Once again, Scientology’s a horror show for the mentally ill
[SIX years ago] A business executive looks at Scientology as a (poorly run) business
[SEVEN years ago] Jon Atack: Scientology’s ‘training routines’ and their relationship to meditation
[EIGHT years ago] Black hearts and burning crosses: Scientology litigation is getting weird in Texas
[NINE years ago] Scientology True Crime: A First Look at Nancy Many’s Docudrama Airing January 16
[TEN years ago] Scientology and Oiliness: More Renderings from the Super Power Building

——————–

Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,541 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,046 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,566 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,586 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,477 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,784 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,652 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,426 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,757 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,230 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,546 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,112 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,031 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,199 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,780 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,041 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,077 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,792 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,317 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 672 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,847 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,398 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,547 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,867 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,722 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,841 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,197 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,500 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,606 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,004 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,880 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,463 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,958 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,212 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,321 days.

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on January 10, 2022 at 07:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.

The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2020 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2020), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)

Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele

Another Scientology ‘Chase Wave’ eyewitness drops by, and brings a check

Tony Ortega — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 12:00:35 +0000

We are still hearing from Scientologists (current and former) about an effort by the church, in the years between about 2015 and 2019, to saddle members with huge debts by deceptively opening new credit card accounts for them, and from Chase Bank in particular.

This “Chase Wave” was so regularized, a step-by-step procedure was written up and sent to church salespeople (known as “registrars” in Scientology) to perpetuate the scam.

We have had former Scientologists like Mark Fladd and George McAlpine describe their first-hand experiences with the Chase Wave, and we’ve also heard from sources still inside the church about it, including today’s participant, a longtime reader who is “under the radar” and is still in good standing.

And we are especially grateful that today’s source brought us a document along with their account of not only being victimized in the Chase Wave, but also foiling it.

As you can see, the attached check is from [year, redacted] — the height of the Chase Wave. And a rare sight: a check FROM Scientology.
I had been out of contact for a few years when LA Org contacted me with an offer I couldn’t refuse. Suddenly I had five or six new credit cards totaling about $60,000. I immediately contacted the banks involved and easily canceled all but one since all but that one still had a zero balance. But a [four-figure] charge had been made by Scientology on a new Chase card. I already had a Chase card so their fraud department was quite helpful to me as an existing customer. Scientology would not simply reverse the charge but they agreed to send me a check so I could pay off the charge. Did they think that if they reversed the charge they would be admitting to something?
The credit card blast infuriated me. While I was being love bombed on one side of this huge room, on the other side several Sea Org workers were busy behind my back (literally and figuratively) opening new credit card accounts.

We want to thank our reader for coming forward, and we hope that many more of you will.

——————–

Sign up for a daily email when we post a new story on Scientology.

——————–

“Now, I have actually seen auditors get jealous of their preclears simply because the preclear did so well. And the auditor couldn’t rest till he dropped a vase on the preclear’s foot or upset the ashtray or did something. I know of one case — very, very remarkable — of a guy very highly connected, and in fact the source of trouble in the Wichita Foundation, who had a blind man with his sight on and who forcefully and violently kicked the foot of the bed on which he was auditing this blind man. You know, the sight came on and he kicked the foot of the bed. And the shock was considerable there and it took the blind man’s sight off. Nobody else processed the blind man, either. As far as I know he’s blind to this moment.” — L. Ron Hubbard, January 6, 1955

——————–

“WRITING: My writing hat has backlogged due to storms and ship reorganization. I am trying to get onto it. So much new data has been developed that the recording of if would be 10 full time jobs. Fortunately it is simple in structure.” — The Commodore, January 6, 1971

——————–

“I was audited by a class 8 auditor. Further processing something else, I took over the session using her and her meter to guide me to answer some questions I had. I went to the days of the crucifixion and went inside Christ body and some very heavy forces was hitting the spirit of me, not the body. I left the body, looked from a distance, and saw an oval of gold light in front of him and this oval went up into the sky and it was a UFO implanting the area and running beams on the being of Christ. I yelled, it was a trick. Whoever was in that ship tricked Christ into doing that crucifixion for what reasons I don’t know, but the being in me knows.”

——————–

1998: Bob Minton reported two incidents of Scientologists leafleting his street in Boston, Massachusetts this week, and reports of private investigators contacting friends and relatives doing a “noisy investigation”: “Twilight 5:00 PM today– $cientologist descend in cover of darkness onto Beacon Hill in Boston to leaflet the neighborhood. Take last leaflet and add ‘HATRED HIDDEN BEHIND FREE SPEECH’ for a header, minus ‘rally’ in body of text and substitute ‘ATTACK’ in a different font. Presto, the cult has a new leaflet. We shamed them into signing their message which reads as follows: ‘(c)1998 by the Church of Scientology of Boston All rights reserved.’ Tonight, once again under cover of darkness, Boston area $cientologist sneak into my neighborhood to distribute a new leaflet, photo included. Please note that in $cientology’s ever expanding mode a new group was formed and signed this leaflet–STAND (Scientologists Taking Action for Non-Discrimination). ‘Recent investigation has disclosed that your neighbor, Robert Minton of 39 West Cedar St., has paid over $1.25 million to individuals who are engaged in a campaign to create hatred against members of the Church of Scientology. Mr. Minton’s funds have been paid to bigoted individuals who have: Engaged in spreading hundreds of pornographic and obscene messages about members of the Church on the internet (which can be accessed by anyone including children); Made numerous threats of violence against members of the Church including sado-masochistic acts; Been found responsible for pirating Church copyrighted materials on the internet; Associated with and obtained the full support of the most prominent neo-NAZI in the world today as part of the campaign of hate against Scientologists.’ A few days ago, OSA plays back a tape over the phone from tonight’s Public Eye or from unused portions of Public Eye to my father in which I said he was an abusive father and husband. He most probably denied it and this now gives Justin fodder for his thread entitled Minton Claims about his early days. Eugene Ingram [is] calling around. He’s investigating me for ‘a conspiracy to commit extortion’.”

——————–

“Scientologists have had a King Arthur fetish going back to day one. LRH moving to England buying a ‘castle,’ very expected and cliched to say the least. Knights of the Three Card Monte Table, here to save the world.”

——————–

Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

——————–

Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Danny Masterson’s attorneys scheduled to enter not guilty plea for him today
[TWO years ago] Scientology’s ‘Purif’ detox gets the ‘Reckless Ben’ treatment in video debuting here today
[THREE years ago] Scientologists told to seize on Australian stabbing death as a recruiting opportunity
[FOUR years ago] Scientology actress Jenna Elfman fully stoked by church’s new expansion push!
[FIVE years ago] Scientology’s disgusting secret: Young teens used to interrogate adults about their sex lives
[SIX years ago] Scientology becoming a ghost town; ALSO: Illinois man arrested for threatening Miscavige
[SEVEN years ago] Ryan Hamilton makes it 26 lawsuits against Scientology’s drug rehab scheme
[EIGHT years ago] VIDEO LEAK: Scientology’s November IAS Gala, featuring a slimmed-down David Miscavige
[NINE years ago] Sunday Funnies: Scientology Finds a Better Use for ‘Dianetics’!
[TEN years ago] Scientology on the High Seas: Ringing in 20 A.D. with the Commodore!

——————–

Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,537 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,042 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,562 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,582 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,473 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,780 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,648 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,422 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,753 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,226 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,542 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,108 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,027 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,195 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,776 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,037 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,073 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,788 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,313 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 668 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,843 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,394 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,543 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,863 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,718 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,837 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,193 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,496 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,602 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 3,000 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,876 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,459 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,954 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,208 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,317 days.

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on January 6, 2022 at 07:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

INSIDER: How the ‘Chase Wave’ began, and how it crashed, leaving Scientology in chaos

An Insider — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 12:00:46 +0000

Our insider sent over another communication, this time to help explain the rise and fall of the “Chase Wave” racket in Scientology that we’ve been describing here thanks to a previous source who leaked us a document. In that document, Scientology registrars (“reg” or “regges” for short) were encouraged to lie to Chase Bank in order to open up massive zero-interest accounts for Scientologists and burden them with debt. This led to a backlash and the ending of the practice just a couple of years ago. Here’s the insider with more.

I just wanted to better explain how the Chase Wave started, and how and why it ended.

I don’t remember the exact year, but it was probably 2013 or 2014, when LA Ideal Org was taken over by the Sea Org. Prior to this, it had been Class V staff. The staff were given the option of being released from their contract immediately, or finishing the contract but not being allowed to re-sign at LA org. Most chose to leave. Shortly after being taken over by the SO, LA became the top producing Ideal Org on the planet.

In 2014, they were regularly making $500,000 a week. I saw the statistics at the time, in the building. They were really doing that. LA was quickly put on a pedestal. A “training program” was put together to teach Class V staff of other Ideal Orgs how to be like LA. What the program consisted of was a few LRH references, and then an apprenticeship with an LA org reg. Once they’re on the apprenticeship, that’s when they’re introduced to the Chase Wave stuff. Because this was an international training program, this practice became a worldwide phenomenon.

I want to describe some of what went on in a bit more detail:

The run of the mill practice was to get someone to apply for a bunch of credit cards, using their “household” income. So, if the young Scientologist lives with their parents, then the parents income goes on the form. Most of the cards applied for were “zero interest for X months.” This was all done with this idea that you can just transfer it to other zero percent interest cards after it expires.

Some public Scientologists even set up “businesses” to help people get credit and loans for Scientology services and Ideal Org donations, and somehow making a cut. Of course, that plan doesn’t work. The zero percent runs out, and you’re stuck paying thousands, just in interest. Many Scientologists have declared bankruptcy over it.

But even this wasn’t enough for the regges. The pressure was too much. As they began to actually make money, the demand for them to keep doing it increased. In order to get the money in more quickly, they started doing what they called “bridging” the loan.

So, Joe Blow Scientologist Public at Flag wants to do Super Power. He doesn’t have the credit to do it, but the reg is fairly confident he can get him the credit. The reg wants that money in TODAY. But credit cards take time to come in the mail, and all that sort of thing. So what they did is go to a few public (and honestly I don’t know how they convinced people to do this) but they would get someone to give them $35,000 to hold onto for these cycles. Instead of waiting for Joe Blow’s credit card to come in, they debit it off in his name from that account, and then pay it back when the card comes in. Joe never even knows who the money came from.

It started to break down because they started “bridging” before they had the funds secured. Joe Blow submits for approval for a card. Instead of waiting for confirmation, they bridge it (with someone else’s money). The card gets denied a few days later, and now Joe can’t pay it back. So, what happens then?

Well, you can’t give them a refund. But they want their money. So the options were 1) a personal loan from the public who made the agreement. 2) putting the money “back on account.”

1 failed almost invariably – for obvious reasons.

2 worked, but created enough upset to bring it to the attention of higher ups.

There was also other stuff going on, like the regges would run peoples’ cards without their permission, and then if the person complained, act like they thought it was authorized. If the person continued to complain its “you’re not asking for a refund are you?” And it would shut them up. Had this happen to me.

This is how every reg cycle since about 2014 to the end of 2019 was done. It was so successful at bringing in money, that any other forms of regging became immediately obsolete.

Another thing to understand is that once they ran out of public, they started regging the staff. Class V and Sea Org members racked up tens of thousands, paying for their own Bridge – something that should have been free to them.

SO members from all over the PAC base were paying to do their Purif at LA org. Of course, all of this is being reported up-lines as “incredible expansion,” and “new highest evers.”

I don’t know exactly how, but somehow COB [Scientology leader David Miscavige] caught on to this.

Just prior to the pandemic, he put on a big briefing for the staff at PAC. He removed every single reg on the planet from their post. I’m dead serious. It was the biggest reorganization I’ve seen in Scientology. They basically had to re-staff the reg network from existing Sea Org members. As well as figure out what to do with the former ones.

I don’t have all the details on how this was addressed, but I know that many were comm eved [court-martialed] and declared [excommunicated]. Some were threatened with legal action or being reported to the police (kicked to the curb), others were sent to whatever they’ve substituted for the RPF. But I haven’t heard from some regges that I’ve known for 20 years. They’re just gone.

Many public who had paid money to “bridge” were given their money back, and many staff who had paid for services had their credit debt taken over by the SO. No, seriously.

Don’t mistake this as me advocating for COB. I find it completely disturbing actually. The pressure brought upon these regges. What other option did they have? Who’s going to be the person to stand up to it and say “this is wrong and we should stop doing it”. No one. Had anyone done that, they would have been attacked, called counter intention, suppressive, and so on.

But then Miscavige gets up there and cancels it. Well, what now? There’s no money left. Well, ironically, from their perspective, thank god for COVID 19…

Here’s why I think that:

Covid took attention away from the MASSIVE financial scandal. It also allowed the Church to get, who knows how much, in PPP and SBA loans – which is the only way I can imagine any of the orgs are surviving. But it’s just delaying the inevitable. The demon will get his pound of flesh, in my opinion, because of the bank fraud.

It’s a Federal crime and It’s actually also a crime per Scientology justice codes “obtaining money under false pretenses” I am nearly certain that every Ideal Org in the USA from the last eight years has at least one instance of a public committing bank fraud in order to make donations. Most commonly, this was done by having the person get a business loan, ostensibly to fund their business, and then they turn around and give most or all of it to the Church.

You have to understand that it’s a matter of “the ends justify the means” as far as Scientologists were concerned. Regges would brag about their skill at pulling one over on the credit card companies. There was this entire atmosphere of “we have the inside line.”

When in reality, it was just tired overworked people, doing what they’re being told to do. What option do they really have when it’s the difference between sleeping or not sleeping. How many people can really say they would have had the integrity to be the ONE willing to stand up to the MANY. Especially when the many feels they are literally saving the world, and your objection to their crimes, means objecting to “freedom of all mankind.” It’s a snake that eats its own tail.

When I said that it was put an end to prior to the pandemic, this is what I mean. Do I think that there are still people getting credit cards and perhaps even bank loans to give it all away to Scientology? Absolutely! But if so, it’s done quietly and off the main lines of the org.

Just imagine the chaos ensuing right now. All these public and staff racked up thousands in credit, and then COVID hit. How were they paying for it? They weren’t. Consider for a moment how many active Scientologists are up to their eyeballs in debt. It’s most of them. How else was anyone going to pay for Bridge? Scientology public have very little money. There the wealthy few. But by and large, the well has dried up. The orchard is bare. That’s why again, I agree that Scientology is on a precipice.

I really hope that someone else who’s still in speaks out now. Don’t wait. We have a chance. It may be a slim one, but if no one speaks out for two years, it will have slipped away.

As Scientology loves to say The time is NOW!

— An Insider

Proprietor’s note: We’ll point out that “bridging loans” are actually a longtime practice in Scientology. Chris Shugart, for example, described it quite well in his 2018 book “Fractured Journey” about his experiences in the 1980s, when he was pressured to make several bridging loans to other Scientologists trying to pay for their courses.

We also asked our insider for their thoughts on the devastating leak from the NY Ideal Org, showing alarmingly low statistics and high debts for overhead which Mike Rinder posted at his blog yesterday. Here’s what our insider said:

I’m not shocked about the stats. I am encouraged that someone in the org is willing to leak them.

Covid has decimated the staffs. People have left in droves. Some haven’t officially routed off, but are not on post because of the adverse reactions to Decon 7. This is very common.

The staff are mostly not in agreement with the protocols. Many, I suspect, are reaching their breaking point as Rinder’s source must have.

They begrudgingly comply. The program said it would be a “brief period.” Yet it’s lasted almost two years. It’s true that Purif may not be delivered by class V. But it’s also SRD. Yet all the Sea Org orgs still deliver both services. Just another way they’re robbing the Staffs of their publics and decent pay.

There is no official reason given that I know of for WHY they can’t deliver these services.

— An Insider

——————–

The celebs come through for R6 Christmas

Scientology’s celebrities came through as Scientology once again co-opted a holiday, Christmas, that its founder said was just an implant forced on human beings by Xenu the evil galactic overlord.

Happy to help out with that deception this time was Jenna Elfman, Erika Christensen, and Michelle Stafford, pictured here in a Scientology press release. Also on hand was Nancy Cartwright as the annual celebration telling “Christmas stories” and giving the LAPD a big check was held in Hollywood.

Deceiving the public about what your “church” is all about: It’s the reason for the season!

——————–

Sign up for a daily email when we post a new story on Scientology.

——————–

“Hitler didn’t have any trouble with a large section of his population. He just put them all in concentration camps and that was it. And it’s that kind of a game if you want to look at it. It’s not the game of government and who will we elect and democracy über alles, or something, it’s not all that kind of a government. It’s just the kind of a government, well, there they are nicely out of the running, everybody is out of the running, isn’t that nice. And things are just barely ticking over, and we’re not going to be troubled by those fellows from the 18th Panzer Division that put up such a hell of a fight on Exnoo. We’re not going to be troubled with them anymore because we got them implanted very nicely, and they’ve all been sent down to Earth, and the mores of the society there will take care of everything And they will never be in circulation again as space jockeys. It’s that kind of thinking, you see?” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 20, 1961

——————–

“Kindliness note: FEBC students and public students are no longer thrown overboard at Flag. It went out in ’68. We haven’t thrown anyone overboard for just ages. There hasn’t even been a low condition assigned on Flag for a couple of years. However, with new recruits aboard and the decks getting dirty…” — The Commodore, December 20, 1970

——————–

“For those who wonder if I’m a Scientologist, all I can say is: If LRH is the individual I think that person is, I’m pretty sure I’d take a bullet thru the head for that individual. If I felt quite sure it was the best possible way to keep the only Scientology I believe in going.”

——————–

2001: The St. Petersburg Times reported that Scientology has purchased an empty apartment building in Clearwater. “The Church of Scientology has purchased a vacant 13-story high-rise downtown that will house more than 600 new staff members in another step in Scientology’s unprecedented expansion in the city. The church last week closed the deal to buy the nearly 2-acre property for $5-million from a nonprofit corporation, BEF Inc., which does business as the Oaks of Clearwater. Scientology leaders have had their eye on the property, known as Oak Cove, for years. It is within two blocks of the massive Flag Building under construction downtown and across Osceola Avenue from the western facade of the church’s Fort Harrison Hotel complex. In the past, city officials expressed concern about the church’s possible acquisition of Oak Cove, considering it a prime piece of property for downtown redevelopment. The high-rise sits on Clearwater’s bluff overlooking Clearwater Harbor. On Wednesday, City Manager Bill Horne said simply, ‘Any kind of residential living in the area has to be construed as a plus for downtown.'”

——————–

“12:35! Oh shit, there goes another day shot to hell.”

——————–

Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Next hearing set for February 8. Trial scheduled for August 29, 2022.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), false imprisonment, aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Next hearing scheduled for December 21.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Pretrial conference January 22 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for February 11.
— Joseph ‘Ben’ Barton, Medicare fraud: Pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing.

Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Eleventh Circuit affirmed ruling granting Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Garcias considering next move.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ US Supreme Court denied Valerie’s petition Oct 4.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: California Supreme Court granted review on May 26 and asked the Second Appellate Division to direct Judge Steven Kleifield to show cause why he granted Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Oral arguments held November 2, awaiting a ruling.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9, 2020 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Dec 17: Feshbachs sign court judgment obliging them to pay entire $3.674 million tax debt, plus interest from Nov 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for June 28, 2022.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Case appealed on Dec 23. Appeal hearing held Aug 23-27. Awaiting a ruling.

——————–

Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Scientology social media: Planetary conquest still on track even as orgs are boarded up
[TWO years ago] Phil and Willie check up on a Scientology eyesore, and a prisoner of The Hole resurfaces
[THREE years ago] Bill Franks, 1946-2018, appointed by Hubbard to ‘reform’ Scientology after Snow White scandal
[FOUR years ago] AUDIO: David Miscavige’s claim that Mexico has officially recognized Scientology as a religion
[FIVE years ago] The fight over the secrets on a Scientology spy’s seized laptop that no one is talking about
[SIX years ago] Augustine: Compton scam rehab and ‘literacy crusade’ have vanished since raid
[SEVEN years ago] Jon Atack looks back at his final Scientology auditing session — and how he broke free
[EIGHT years ago] Tom Cruise drops his disastrous suit against Bauer Media and its magazines
[NINE years ago] Scientology in 2012: John Sweeney, Paulette Cooper, and More Look Back on a Year of Crisis for the Church
[TEN years ago] Scientology Kids: Fully Indoctrinated by 18

——————–

Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,520 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,025 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,545 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,565 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,456 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,763 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,631 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,405 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,736 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,209 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,525 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,091 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,010 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,178 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,759 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,020 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,056 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,771 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,296 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 651 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,826 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,377 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,526 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,846 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,701 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,820 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,176 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,479 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,585 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,983 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,859 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,442 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,937 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,191 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,300 days.

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on December 20, 2021 at 07:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

Reactions to our insider’s claim Scientology in pandemic chaos: It rings true, experts say

Tony Ortega — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 12:00:29 +0000

We had quite a reaction to the leak from our “Insider” yesterday, who laid out a dire situation for Scientology as the pandemic drags on…

— Sea Org members in Los Angeles were required to take the Covid vaccine, but because Scientologists are so anti-vaxx by nature, the SO members are required to lie about getting vaccinated in order not to upset public members coming for services.

— Scientology continues its early-Pandemic PR relations act by masking up and wearing gloves and spraying surfaces with disinfectant “Decon 7” daily, even though it’s long been known that risk from surfaces is minimal. The use of the toxic Decon 7 is so overdone, it is threatening the health of Scientologists.

— The ‘Chase Wave’ was a real phenomenon that was shut down after it caused backlashes from banks, and regges were punished as scapegoats.

— With Scientologists tapped out financially, harassed and bullied over their health, and events still on hold, the organization is on a precipice.

We asked for some reactions to this description of the chaos gripping Scientology. Here was Mike Rinder’s reaction:

Fascinating insight. It all rings too true. There are some specifics that match closely with things I am hearing from another Ideal Org that I will be putting on my blog soon.
This Scientology response reminds me of the over-the-top reaction to the Y2K predictions of economic and societal collapse at the end of 1999. There was a massive effort within, overseen by Shelly Miscavige at the time, to purchase food and “self-sufficiency” necessities, from generators and batteries and gold coins to use for barter when currency became useless etc, etc. It was a HUGE deal and it was treated VERY seriously.
Scientology takes things to ridiculous extremes. It seems to go along with the fundamentalist mindset. Always extreme all the time.
I found it amusing that they have to hide their vax status from the public. I can imagine Miscavige dictating the super strict requirements to ensure he was protected — which is what all those measures are no doubt about. Nobody else has the authority needed to implement blanket orders on all Sea Org members. But they know their public and were right to keep it secret. What a contradiction: Hubbard the anti-medical, government conspiracy pusher has fostered a largely anti-vax conspiracy theory group of people who are now led by a germaphobe paranoiac who insists on draconian measure to keep himself safe. Reads like something out of Mission Earth.

And from our “Chase Wave” source…

The biggest story within Scientology is the coercive vaccination of Sea Org members alluded to in yesterday’s story. While you and I are happy to get the vaccine, as you know Scientologists are rabidly antivaxx. Currently Sea Org members are being made to read a Church-produced materials on how they should get vaccinated as their only source of information on the Covid vaccine. If the Sea Org member still doesn’t want to get the vaccine they are taken off post, put in isolation (a bedroom by themself), not allowed to contact family and separated from their spouse until they agree to get vaccinated. Some Sea Org members have been in this type of isolation for months.
The amazing thing is the public Scientologists don’t know this as the Church dares not tell them because most public are so antivax. An article encouraging your under-the-radar readers to ask their SO friends and family over the Christmas holidays if they’re been vaccinated might be really impactful. If there was any way for you to get that pamphlet from your other sources it would also be a big deal. Of course the Church will destroy everything if they know you’re after it.
All that said, I think the use/misuse of Decon7 is a much bigger story. I am trying to get some more on this for you.

Chris Shelton weighed in…

The Church is actively causing its own demise with the enforcement of its own cult-level protocols. One can only marvel at the karmic justice of this while at the same time lamenting the fact that actually well-intentioned staff and Sea Org members are having to suffer so painfully for their fanatical devotion to a destructive cult.
Advertisement
When the Basics were first released, there were blows almost every week for quite a while when the most draconian of controls and disciplines were enacted at Big Blue. This sounds like a very similar environment has now been created within the entire Scientology world, not just in the Sea Org. In fact, this sounds significantly worse than the Basics and believe me, I never thought I’d see things get so bad again.
I’m blown away by the idea that enforced isolation has become such a fad across the Sea Org. I can only wonder what Miscavige must be thinking to order such a thing at all levels. There is zero question – absolutely none whatsoever – that Miscavige is the brainchild of this disaster.
I agree that the three things listed by the Insider are big problems for Scientology, but because I have to be honest, I don’t see the Church of Scientology being brought to its knees by any of these things or a combination of them in the next year.
I agree that the Masterson case is very important. But any reasoned look at Scientology’s litigation history and the court’s history with Scientology has to allow for the possibility of legal runarounds and the Church’s involvement being minimized if not outright banned in the court. At the end of the day, the only one charged with a crime in that court room is Danny Masterson.
I am not quite as optimistic that a single bank fraud incident is a keystone to bringing the Church down. It is common sense and obvious that a federal crime should indeed threaten their tax exempt status, but that assumes a LOT of steps between the crime being committed (which we know has happened) and law enforcement and then the courts actually doing something about it, and then the IRS stepping up to do something about it after that case is successfully tried. Lots of dominoes lined up there and so far not one of them has fallen despite lots of very good reasons we all thought they should.
If the Church’s handling of the pandemic is as bad as the Insider describes, I think we are going to indeed be hearing from a lot more people in the not-too-distant future about their Scientology escape and abuses they endured. This treatment, especially sustained over too-long a period of time is tantamount to torture and that’s not what keeps people in a cult. Whether MIscavige has just lost his mind or he’s so paranoid about catching COVID that he’s enforcing all this or a million other possible reasons for this madness, I can honestly say I’m surprised to hear that things have gotten so bad so quickly and I look forward to hearing further corroboration and reports from the Insider and others. Scientology is always nothing if not interesting but now I really am wondering if this accelerated abuse might not really bring that end we all want to see.

We also heard from Claire Headley…

I know I’ve heard many stories that line up to what the new insider is talking about, particularly in relation to credit card and bank loans. As for that now being a thing of the past, sure, I’ve no doubt that was “announced” – just the same as it was after the Time magazine disaster in the early 90s, and several times since then. Scientology will always be a money-grubbing, statistic driven, commercialized organization pushing hard to add money to their coffers. Given that fact, it is inevitable it will continue, in whatever form it has now transmuted into.
In relation to the pandemic, yes, I’ve heard corroborating statements from a few sources in relation to gloves and masks. As for the spraying, that doesn’t sound like much of a stretch to me. Same for quarantines, and shutting down the orgs. First pandemic, so no doubt they came up with some crazy answers to that, as they do with everything.
In relation to the vaccine: Personally, my experience was not that all Scientologists are anti-vaxers. Anti psych? 100 percent. Anti psych drugs? Absolutely, no question, no doubt about it. But in the case of vaccinations, at least in my 30 years in Scientology, I never thought nor experienced that everyone was anti vaccine. Maybe 50/50, but even that, seems high to me. Certainly I wasn’t raised anti vaccine, and my mother wasn’t either. There were a few times when flu shots were provided and administered to all Base staff in the years I worked in Hemet, as another example. Perhaps there was a massive vaccine push in Pac. I know I’ve heard of other areas where it was absolutely optional. For what that’s worth.
And lastly, to this insider, if you have, in fact, woken up and are exposing the truth, please consider breaking free entirely and starting your life over. That would make complete sense and be the logical thing for you to do. The Aftermath Foundation would love to help you make a fresh start! And undoubtedly, you have plenty of useful information you can provide to authorities once you’re free. I would certainly be concerned if you’re planning to stay just to leak information. Either way, best of luck!

As for our insider, they sent along this image of a document that they say was issued fairly early in the pandemic, which helps corroborate what they told us yesterday…

——————–

Sign up for a daily email when we post a new story on Scientology.

——————–

“There’s a fellow by the name of Einstein passed some laws relating to the speed of light. And you get up to the speed of light, I understand, and you stop right there. And I hope that they don’t hear about this out in the outer planets there, because they’d have to drop those speedometers off. Because these boys going two or three times the speed of light there, as they just start to travel, would be embarrassed if they knew they couldn’t do that. And so somebody’d better inform them before they’re embarrassed by having this discovered about themselves.” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 19, 1953

——————–

“The Port Anchor Chain was not washed and mud is reported in the chain locker. This should be run out and cleaned up properly.” — The Commodore, December 19, 1969

——————–

“The MEST universe is basically a theta trap. So some OT abilities does not work until you’re inside a meat body.”

——————–

2000: The Deseret News reported that Scientology will host Santa Claus at an event at the org. “The Church of Scientology, 1931 S. 1100 East, will host Santa Claus for Sugar House-area children starting at noon today. Santa will listen to all the children’s wishes, and the public is invited. The Church of Scientology’s sermon at 10 a.m. Sunday at the church will be ‘How to Aid Your Fellow Man.’ People of all faiths are welcome.”

——————–

“The comments sections on the CCHR vids on YouTube are this uber weird mix of Scientologists and the mentally ill who gravitate to this bullshit because it justifies them not taking their meds. It makes for some very unusual reading.”

——————–

Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Next hearing set for February 8. Trial scheduled for August 29, 2022.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), false imprisonment, aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Next hearing scheduled for December 21.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Pretrial conference December 17 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for February 11.
— Joseph ‘Ben’ Barton, Medicare fraud: Pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing.

Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Eleventh Circuit affirmed ruling granting Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Garcias considering next move.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ US Supreme Court denied Valerie’s petition Oct 4.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: California Supreme Court granted review on May 26 and asked the Second Appellate Division to direct Judge Steven Kleifield to show cause why he granted Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Oral arguments held November 2, awaiting a ruling.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9, 2020 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Dec 17: Feshbachs sign court judgment obliging them to pay entire $3.674 million tax debt, plus interest from Nov 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for June 28, 2022.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Case appealed on Dec 23. Appeal hearing held Aug 23-27. Awaiting a ruling.

——————–

Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Secrets of Scientology ‘Super Power’: The best testimonial we’ve seen yet
[TWO years ago] ‘Have you got a head?’ — Listen in to Scientology as a wacky group experience
[THREE years ago] Scientology threatened to sue over last night’s episode, settled for sliming Leah & Mike instead
[FOUR years ago] KID CORPS: Scientology wanted cadets as young as 6 dealing out justice to each other
[FIVE years ago] Live-blogging Leah Remini’s special episode tonight: Get a load of these miscreants!
[SIX years ago] Witness: Compton scam rehab was a special Scientology project — how high does it go?
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology’s Craigslist expert issues new instructions after so much ad flagging
[EIGHT years ago] How Scientology ‘ethics’ creates your very own Truman Show
[NINE years ago] L. Ron Hubbard’s “Secret Lives” — A Channel 4 Classic
[TEN years ago] Scientology’s Scourge, Paulette Cooper, Visits with the Voice

——————–

Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,519 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,024 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,544 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,564 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,455 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,762 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,630 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,404 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,735 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,208 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,524 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,090 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,009 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,177 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,758 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,019 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,055 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,770 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,295 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 650 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,825 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,376 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,525 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,845 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,700 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,819 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,175 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,478 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,584 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,982 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,858 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,441 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,936 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,190 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,299 days.

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on December 19, 2021 at 07:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

INSIDER: Scientology has been devastated by the pandemic and is coming apart at the seams

An Insider — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 12:00:58 +0000

For several days we have been communicating with a new source who claims to have devastating inside information about the current state of the Church of Scientology.

This source is well inside the church itself, and is in a position to continue to bring us information about what is going on. So for that reason, we are going to do our best to protect their identity and position. For now, we wanted to show you a lengthy message they gave us summarizing what they say is the damage the pandemic has done to the organization, and the impossible situation that many current Scientologists find themselves in. We are stunned by this information, and we are looking forward to reactions from our longtime experts in the field. Here is this source’s summation of Scientology’s current chaos.

When the pandemic struck, the Church’s response was a program which laid out “protocols” that all staff and all public Scientologists had to follow. These included wearing a mask and gloves at all times while not in your own home, as well as other rigid mandates, some of which bordered on impossible to follow.

The most ridiculous mandate was that the staff of Class V orgs had to keep a statistic of “Number of Sick or Ill public and staff.” In order to advance to the “second phase” of the program, there had to be a continuous statistic of ZERO sick staff or public. I’m not just talking about Covid. It demands zero illness of any kind. The program claims that if the protocols are followed, there’s no reason anyone would get sick. Additionally, the local area had to show a reduced number of Covid cases.

I know of no Class V org in the US that has advanced to the next phase of the program.

As an addendum to this, the staff were required to clean the building with Decon 7, from top to bottom, every single day. They still do this to this day. The chemical which they are using is safe when used as per its instructions. That’s not what they’re doing. They’re overusing and misusing it.

People are having severe reactions to being exposed to this chemical. Fainting, rashes, diarrhea, epileptic seizures, migraines, strokes. All of that has happened to staff and Sea Org members. The church ignores or actively covers it up.

Any staff or public found to have been “violating the protocols” were hit with Justice. I know of many people who were comm eved because they got sick. [A “committee of evidence” or “comm ev” is Scientology’s version of a court martial — ed.]

There are people who have been torn off of the OT levels I-III (the supposed “non-interference zone”) to be comm eved for getting sick.

The Chase Wave stuff was basically put an end to officially by COB two years ago, just prior to the pandemic. [Scientologists refer to leader David Miscavige as “COB,” for “Chairman of the Board.” — ed.] Every reg on the planet, save one or two, was removed from post. Many were declared. And honestly, it wasn’t just Chase. It was every and any financial institution that would give them money. All of the Ideal Orgs were funded with money obtained under false pretenses. The credit fraud is one thing, but the bank fraud will sink the ship.

I mention this only to illustrate this point: prior to the cancelation of this stuff, pretty much all donations were being done this way. That’s for Bridge, IAS, Ideal Org, everything. All of my donations (which are considerable) were done this way.

The reality is, Scientology is exorbitantly expensive. Your average Joe Scientologist doesn’t have the cash.

So, if that’s not happening any more, where’s the money coming from?

All the Class V orgs actually shut down for seven months in 2020. This was, in some cases, due to local government mandates. But most orgs were not required by law to shut down. This is unprecedented. Never in Scientology’s history have all Class V orgs been shut down, until now. And it was done by order of COB. (Which ironically LRH said was an act of Treason.)

This was particularly egregious because the Sea Org bases were never closed down. They were allowed to continue delivering services. So, all the public who would have been doing services at their orgs, bringing them what little pittance of an income they would get, vanished.

Now of course, like with anything in Scientology, the Sea Org didn’t make it easy. If you wanted to go do your Bridge at LA org or Flag, you had to quarantine for two weeks, at your expense, in their hotels. Some were made to sign a document stating that they would be comm eved if they got Covid. [“Flag” is a reference to the Flag Land Base in Clearwater, Florida, one of Scientology’s “Advanced Orgs,” along with Los Angeles. The “Bridge to Total Freedom” is the increasingly expensive progression of auditing levels offered at these locations. — ed.]

You have to walk around the base with a mask and gloves at all times, living in more fear than usual. But the public had it easy when compared to the staff. As I said, I know of many who were comm eved.

One example of this is a guy who was a staff member himself and ran a business which employs several staff. A customer of the business was diagnosed with Covid. No one else got sick from the encounter, and yet the Owner/ Staff member was comm eved for having “endangered the org” because all of those staff had to quarantine for two weeks. Basically you’re not allowed to earn money at the org because we’ve closed the doors and stolen all your public, but you’re not allowed to make money privately either, because you’re endangering the org.

But the Sea Org have it worse. At PAC, prior to the vaccine mandate, all the protocols applied. Masks, gloves, D7. But their quarantine was a little different. [The “Pacific Area Command” or “PAC” is the name for Scientology’s headquarters in Los Angeles on Fountain Avenue, also called “Big Blue” — ed.]

You are made to stay in a room alone for a minimum of two weeks. There’s no reading material provided, you have no communication outside of written letters (which may days to get answered). In some cases, water wasn’t even provided unless specifically requested, and paid for, by the Sea Org member! After the two weeks, you take a Covid test. If it’s negative and you have “no symptoms” then you get back to work. If you still have “symptoms” you’re stuck in there indefinitely.

Now of course, the use of a quarantine to mitigate the spread of disease is a perfectly reasonable idea. But Scientology has a way of turning the reasonable into insane. They will send you to quarantine if you so much as sniffle. Not only that, but if someone in an office of 20 people didn’t feel good (Not had Covid, just didn’t feel good!) the entire office would be sent to quarantine for two weeks, just to be safe. Some people spent months in quarantine. MONTHS. With no contact other than someone bringing you food, and the daily spraying of toxins.

As a side note: per the Decon 7 instructions, any room cleaned with the spray or fogger is meant to be allowed to off-gas for several hours and all surfaces must be wiped with water to ensure no Decon 7 residue remains. They didn’t do that. It’s spray spray spray, get back in your room. It’s just basically a very heavy-handed method of control. And virtually no one is getting time off. Most of them haven’t left the PAC base for almost two years.

Then the vaccine mandate comes out. You have to understand that most Scientologists, especially the Sea Org, are incredibly antivax.

Someone I know, a Sea Org member, was once written up and seen in ethics for “supporting big pharma” after she encouraged someone to get their kids the polio vaccine.

These people are seriously against vaccines.

Just imagine. Ordering them to get vaccinated is to them like ordering them to commit “out tech.” Many refused.

All who refused were sent into “quarantine” because by not getting vaccinated, they were “endangering the group.” Someone could have followed every protocol and mandate to the letter for almost two years, and then because they refuse the vaccine suddenly they’re a danger to the group and need to removed from it? It’s imprisonment.

Most broke after a week. The entire time, they’re being yelled at and berated by their seniors for not “doing the right thing” so they come back on post. They were told it was THEIR FAULT they were in there. After everyone broke, and it was reported that every Sea Org member had been vaccinated, PAC base lifted its “mandatory quarantine” for public. The registrars were very happy to use this as a grab for the public. Which is basically just extortion.

If you went to Flag, in Florida, you’d have to pay almost $2,000 just in accommodations, in order to quarantine. So it became “Come to AOLA and save money because you don’t have to quarantine.”

Of course, if anyone asks why only PAC base has this, no one will give you an answer (that the Sea Org staff are vaccinated). The Sea Org staff are instructed to lie if asked about it.

My own family, when I asked them if they had been vaccinated, lied to me. I’m not even anti vax! They lied because if it became known to Scientologists, there would be outrage.

I want this to be seen by those on the fence. Those who are fed up with this bullshit, but haven’t quite made the leap.

Seeing it will make these people realize that they’re being lied to. How they feel about vaccination doesn’t matter. It’s the lying about it.

You said that Scientology is on a precipice. I couldn’t agree with you more.

In my estimation, there three things which in combination could result in the total destruction of the organization in less than a year:

1) the outcome of the Masterson case.

If it is demonstrated in court that Scientology scripture forbids the reporting of criminal activity among members, the door will open to litigation like never before. And they probably wouldn’t be able to go the arbitration route either.

2) the Bank Fraud being committed.

I know about a lot of bank fraud committed. Credit Fraud is one thing, but this a federal crime. One single case would be enough to demand the IRS revoke tax exemption

3) the Church’s handling of the pandemic.

This is what’s happening RIGHT NOW in Scientology and has never happened before. You hear the same kind of stories of abuse over and over again. This is different. This is new. And it’s destructive.

— An Insider

——————–

Jon Atack and Jeffrey Augustine

——————–

Sign up for a daily email when we post a new story on Scientology.

——————–

“Let’s take the ant kingdom. The ants have been granted beingness. The ants themselves are not a beingness — that is, an independent beingness, such as a thetan. And here we get an oddity; we get an oddity in behavior in terms of ants. You go around and trifle with an ant. As a thetan, you go around and you start pushing around an ant: put a beam through his head, short-circuit out some of the working parts, make him walk in small circles, and you immediately start getting this, the idea that there’s something someplace that is getting awfully mad at you. Funny, isn’t it?” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 18, 1953

——————–

“MISSION ACCOUNTS UK: COMMANDER HANA ELTRINGHAM and FELICE GREEN are very much welcomed back. They did a fine job straightening up accounts at WW, SH and Pubs. As an added bonus they found Pubs was owed about £300,000, nearly 3 times what it owes and that SH was owed over £90,000 and £50,000. SMERSH is noted as active in Edinburgh in the form of our being worked on to make us unpopular. Well, they can try. The Mission did a great and very long job. They are highly commended.” — The Commodore, December 18, 1968

——————–

“Everyone’s postulates work. They are all working. Old postulates, present time postulates, and future postulates. Problem is, people don’t always know what their postulates are, they are busy convincing themselves that their latest show is the ‘true me’ to the point they don’t even realize they are lying about their own postulates. It isn’t about changing reality according to your will, that is just a side show for an OT showing off when done overtly. When done covertly, it is just painting a false picture around a person by feeding them false information. Future is determined by individual and individual+majority placing their agreed upon ideas of the future there. Individuals mostly not know what their postulates are, many exceptions to this of course, and also they not know that their first postulate is not know. You have to be able to not-know that you are not knowing in order to keep the game (with all its random factors) of life in motion.”

——————–

1999: The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette published an article including mention of the PR activity for the L. Ron Hubbard book A Very Strange Trip. “The very late L. Ron Hubbard had a best seller for a week. His book, A Very Strange Trip, was published in July and oddly enough appeared on The New York Times best-seller list, then vanished. And did I ever get into trouble with the Church of Scientology for poking a bit of fun at the book and the church. The church doesn’t have a sense of humor and never gives up on its critics, first writing a letter to the editor about me, then demanding a meeting with the boss. Even then, they had the last word (or do I?). Just so I wouldn’t forget, the church in St. Louis sent along two of its big books that now take up space on the end of my desk just in case I need to know quickly what Scientology is and how L. Ron’s e-meter works. A columnist for another newspaper wrote about the book and reports that he received the same treatment, first telephone calls to his editors seeking his home telephone number, then letters and demands for equal time. Then he wrote a sequel, ‘How rigor-mortis affects penmanship,’ or ‘How dead is he?’ and the fur fairly flew again. He’s sworn off L. Ron and the Scientology L. Ronnettes for good. It’s not worth the grief, he says.”

——————–

“I think it’s safe to say at this point in the proceedings that the reason things are so bad in the unchurch of Scientology aren’t due merely to Miscavige being dumb or incompetent. It’s obvious that he is a purposeful sadist who actively enjoys plotting new ways to torment his captive flock. He’s King Joffery, he’s Ivan the Terrible. He’s freaking nuts.”

——————–

Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Next hearing set for February 8. Trial scheduled for August 29, 2022.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), false imprisonment, aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Next hearing scheduled for December 21.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Pretrial conference December 17 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for February 11.
— Joseph ‘Ben’ Barton, Medicare fraud: Pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing.

Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Eleventh Circuit affirmed ruling granting Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Garcias considering next move.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ US Supreme Court denied Valerie’s petition Oct 4.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: California Supreme Court granted review on May 26 and asked the Second Appellate Division to direct Judge Steven Kleifield to show cause why he granted Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Oral arguments held November 2, awaiting a ruling.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9, 2020 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Dec 17: Feshbachs sign court judgment obliging them to pay entire $3.674 million tax debt, plus interest from Nov 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for June 28, 2022.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Case appealed on Dec 23. Appeal hearing held Aug 23-27. Awaiting a ruling.

——————–

Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Oof: Jane Doe #1’s own attorneys flubbed and ID’d her and her IP address in court documents
[TWO years ago] Why the IRS will likely do nothing about Mormon and Scientology illegal slush funds
[THREE years ago] Leah Remini asks ‘Where is Shelly’ as the Church of Scientology turns 65!
[FOUR years ago] When love triumphs over Scientology: A fairy tale of New York for the holidays
[FIVE years ago] Oh look, Scientology started a blog, and it already won an award
[SIX years ago] Compton scam rehab clinic definitely a Church of Scientology operation, witnesses say
[SEVEN years ago] Rick Ross has a new book that will help you get someone out of Scientology
[EIGHT years ago] Happy Birthday, Church of Scientology!
[NINE years ago] Joel Sappell Finds Former Scientology Enforcer Marty Rathbun To Be a Reluctant Whistleblower
[TEN years ago] Scientology Sunday Funnies: In the Sea Org at 18 and on Top of the World!

——————–

Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,518 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,023 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,543 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,563 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,454 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,761 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,629 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,403 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,734 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,207 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,523 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,089 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 8,008 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,176 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,757 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,018 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,054 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,769 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,294 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 649 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,824 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,375 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,524 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,844 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,699 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,818 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,174 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,477 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,583 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,981 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,857 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,440 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,935 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,189 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,298 days.

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on December 18, 2021 at 07:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

Scientology wouldn’t pull its ‘Chase Wave’ scam on military veterans, would it?

Tony Ortega — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 12:00:30 +0000

[Adam Pires, Navy Federal member and Navy veteran]

In April we told you about a recent defector from Scientology named Adam Pires who said he could corroborate our claim that SNL’s Chloe Fineman was a longtime and dedicated Scientologist: While he was in, he had done the “purif” (Scientology’s quack “Purification Rundown” involving massive intake of vitamins and days and days in a sauna) with Fineman.

And he got to know her well enough personally that he ended up buying her car.

Since we wrote that story, Chloe Fineman became a full cast member at Saturday Night Live, and her star continues to rise.

Adam, meanwhile, also had an update for us.

After he saw our story on the “Chase Wave,” he wanted us to know that something very similar happened to him.

“I can tell you I was definitely a part of that, however not through Chase. They were also doing this with Navy Federal as well,” he says.

If you remember, we posted a document sent in by a new source who said it was a step-by-step instruction sheet that Scientology’s “registrars” were given, explaining to them how to lie to Chase credit card operators in order to open up new credit card accounts for cash-poor Scientology members, and then max out those cards with Scientology charges in order to saddle members with huge debts. The “Chase Wave” involved opening up a series of different Chase cards in order to obtain a huge zero-interest credit limit. Scientology was the beneficiary, and our source said the scam was literally bankrupting Scientologists and had led to Chase blacklisting the church.

After we posted that document, two former Scientologists who recently left the organization, Mark Fladd and George McAlpine, both came forward on the record, using their full names, and said they had been subjected to the Chase Wave (Fladd) and witnessed the Chase blacklisting (McAlpine).

Now, yet another recent defector is willing to put his name forward and confirm that he was subjected to a similar credit card scheme while a member of Scientology.

“Once they figured out I had Navy Federal and good credit, they pressured me in a very unfair way to max out my credit card and take a personal loan that I am now defaulted on, as I went way over my debt to income ratio,” Adam says.

Hang on, we said. They were doing the Chase Wave to you on your Navy Federal card?

Navy Federal is the largest credit union in the country, serving some 10 million veterans and their families.

“After they found out at the Celebrity Centre that I could refer a friend to Navy Fed, they had me refer a few people so they could open accounts, even though they weren’t active duty, vets, or a family member. And they weren’t really my ‘friends.’ They were just people I knew in passing at the Org. My roommate was also involved with this, and he was a part of the Chase scam they were running. It had something to do with transferring your debt around to maintain a zero-interest account. It sounded really sketch to me,” he says. “Also, once the Celebrity Centre started doing it, the other orgs started doing it with Navy Federal. They would go out and find who was a veteran or just had an account with Navy Fed and get them to refer other Scientologists as ‘friends’.”

Stunned, we asked Adam to be extra clear on this. Scientology knew he was a veteran, that his credit union was for veterans, and they ran the same kind of credit scheme on him that they did in the “Chase Wave” we saw described in the document?

“They definitely knew I had a Navy Federal account as I told my reg Eric that I banked with Navy Fed. I had told him how they upped my credit card limit, which they considered a ‘win,’ a testament of Scientology financial tech,” he says. “They knew pretty much everything about me besides my Social Security number. I referred at least three people that I can specifically recall that got personal loans. I took out $16,000 in a personal loan and maxed out my credit card at $7,000. The church was very aware of my Navy service, as the Sea Org members would often mention Ron was in the Navy as a way to relate to me. With that being said, I’m sure they knew they were piling on a huge load of debt to a veteran. I didn’t realize until afterwards how duped I was.”

Adam says that one of the ways they pressured him into putting so much money into Scientology services he would never use was by hammering him about their 2 pm Thursday deadline.

“They kept trying to ‘TR’ me by repeating, ‘Can we confirm you will do the $2,500 before Thursday at 2pm?'” In that case, he says, they were pressuring him to pay for either a “Happiness Rundown” at the Los Angeles org, or the “Cause Resurgence Rundown” (running around a lighted pole) at the Flag building in Clearwater, Florida. When he hesitated, a supervisor called him, accusing him of “backing out” after making a promise.

“She called me a chicken. Yes, she actually resorted to calling me a chicken. Then she yells at me saying she wasn’t going to have a dishonest public at her org. At this point I’m getting scared that they are going to try to turn this into a ‘Comm Ev’ and have me declared. So I cave in and tell them I’ll come in after work. Basically they pressured me until 1 in the morning until I caved and took out the huge personal loan and maxed the credit card,” he says. “During this personal loan process in the reg office they discovered I could refer friends. The Navy Fed thing was just one of many creative ways the reges would try to find money. And of course the reges of one org talk to another and that’s how these scams develop in a region or Scientology wide.”

Hey FBI, are you listening?

——————–

Sign up for a daily email when we post a new story on Scientology.

——————–

“In the final run of it, he gets up to a fairly comprehensive idea of what he’s been and done….He gets himself one Godawful amount of time blocked out. Oh, some terrific amount of time blocked out. He gets up to trillions to the eighth power. Time, you know. Oh man, time, you see. First he gets horrified, you see, at the idea of twelve trillion years ago or something like that. He gets finally, up to a point where trillions to the eighth power take him back to some of the earliest implants. And he’s perfectly happy at this level that there’s an awful lot of track….Now, his track goes sizzling back to trillions to the 200th power. Well that’s, of course, one of these ridiculous figures. That’s trillion written two hundred times. Or one with two hundred times you write all the ciphers of a trillion. That gets to be quite a few ciphers and every one of those things is a year. You’re getting into the sweep of time by this time. Well, I myself have had, I just thought I was doing fine when I was doing some research this last summer. I said, ‘Gee, you know we’re getting clear back here.’ Trillions four, you know. Whew, you know? Dizzying. Concepts of time. Trying to date one of these confounded things, you know. Trying to handle these fantastic periods of time with arithmetic, and trying to dream up other methods of going into all this. Rough! Because it just took the auditor too tall, too long to say anything so you got crude rough approximations like, trillions 4.5, see?” — L. Ron Hubbard, December 3, 1963

——————–

PORT: All is cool. They didn’t even come aboard to clear us in. Customs and police just wrote us down as cleared in. We are now popular here after the attempted attack and our then asserting PRO Area Control. They are honestly glad to see us. We will be here about six days. It has rained so hard here they couldn’t unload ships and the storm drove even more ships in because it made crews nearly 100 percent seasick on other ships. Trust you had a good liberty.” — The Commodore, December 3, 1969

——————–

For some weeks late in 1982 I remained conscious, even when my body slept. I found that four hours of that kind of sleep was equal to eight of the usual, unconscious sleep, in terms of resting the body. Anyway, one night I was up late, standing nightwatch at Van Org, working on the word ‘postulate.’ When I figured I had it cleared I thought, ‘I want twenty bucks.’ I walked outside onto the street, walked about half a block, and there on the sidewalk were two ten-dollar bills, neatly folded. I picked up the twenty bucks, went back inside and signed off on the word ‘postulate.’ I’m past-life Clear and don’t know what-all I might have had run on me after going Clear way back then, but it was the early ’50s and research was raging ahead. I’m finally getting my Grades now and intend to complete the Bridge, eventually to regain that mastery over unconsciousness that I attained for a short while in the early ’80s. It’ll come in handy next time I want to leave a body for a new one.”

——————–

1998: Scientology pled not guilty to the criminal charges brought by the State of Florida in the Lisa McPherson case. From Reuters: “The Church of Scientology entered a ‘not guilty’ plea Monday to two criminal charges in the 1995 death of a woman member who was being cared for at the church’s regional headquarters in Clearwater. Attorneys for the group filed a written plea of not guilty to the charges in the 1995 death of Lisa McPherson with Pinellas County Circuit Court Judge Timothy Peters, his clerk said. The felony charges of abuse or neglect of a disabled adult and practicing medicine without a license in connection with McPherson’s death had been filed Nov. 13 by State Attorney Bernie McCabe. The criminal charges do not name any individuals, so if the church were found guilty it could only be fined. A pretrial conference on the charges is expected to be held next month, the clerk said.”

——————–

“The really scary thing to me about Carla Moxon is that there are literally millions of others like her in this world that are seriously mentally deluded due to magical thinking and they are among us doing jobs that could cause the rest of us harm if they just go off a tad too much at the wrong time. Anybody keeping track of all the problems going on with members of the ICBM defense system? And that’s not even due to magical thinking.”

——————–

Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:

— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Next hearing set for February 8. Trial scheduled for August 29, 2022.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), false imprisonment, aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Next hearing scheduled for December 21.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Pretrial conference December 17 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for February 11.
— Joseph ‘Ben’ Barton, Medicare fraud: Pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing.

Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Eleventh Circuit affirmed ruling granting Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Garcias considering next move.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ US Supreme Court denied Valerie’s petition Oct 4.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: California Supreme Court granted review on May 26 and asked the Second Appellate Division to direct Judge Steven Kleifield to show cause why he granted Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Oral arguments held November 2, awaiting a ruling.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9, 2020 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Dec 17: Feshbachs sign court judgment obliging them to pay entire $3.674 million tax debt, plus interest from Nov 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for June 28, 2022.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Case appealed on Dec 23. Appeal hearing held Aug 23-27. Awaiting a ruling.

——————–

Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] More Scientology orgs and missions got Covid bailouts than we knew: The detailed breakdown
[TWO years ago] Scientologist says the church is telling Clearwater members not to vote for Mark Bunker
[THREE years ago] Thar she blows: The ‘whales’ who are keeping Scientology afloat in 2018
[FOUR years ago] Scientology loses another outlet for attracting young acting talent in Hollywood
[FIVE years ago] In Scientology, dancing in a conga line might end up costing you thousands
[SIX years ago] Augustine: How Scientology changes its story to fit what it’s trying to get away with
[SEVEN years ago] About that Tom Cruise Scientology ‘co-leader’ nonsense spreading in the media
[EIGHT years ago] Our Experts Prepare Us for the Wall of Fire — Scientology’s Operating Thetan Level Three!
[TEN years ago] Scientology Capsize: Commenters of the Week!

——————–

Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,503 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 3,008 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,528 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,548 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,439 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,746 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,614 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,388 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,718 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,192 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,508 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,074 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,993 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,161 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,742 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 4,003 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,039 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,754 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,279 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 634 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,809 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,360 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,509 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,829 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,684 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,803 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,159 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,462 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,568 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,966 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,842 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,425 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,920 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,174 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,283 days.

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on December 3, 2021 at 07:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

How do we know the ‘Chase Wave’ happened? ‘Aftermath’ guest Mark Fladd: ‘I was part of it’

Tony Ortega — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 12:00:40 +0000

[Mark and Stephanie Fladd on ‘Aftermath’]

On Sunday, we told you about a document that had been leaked to us: It purported to be directions for Scientology’s registrars to follow as they were pressuring members to open up multiple Chase Bank credit cards in order to saddle those members with huge debts. The process was called the “Chase Wave.”

We posted the document because we have heard about Scientology’s high-pressure credit card capers for years and years. But was there specifically something called the Chase Wave?

“I was part of it,” says Mark Fladd, who reached out to us Sunday after our story appeared.

You may remember Mark. He and his wife Stephanie appeared on an episode of A&E’s Leah Remini: Scientology & the Aftermath in its third season. In the episode, they talked about losing a house after Mark paid $35,000 for a “Clear” package that he didn’t complete.

Now, Mark says, the “Chase Wave” was what put him in that position to lose his house.

It was 2015, and he says he had not been going to the Orange County org for six months or more. But then he got invited to a fundraiser.

“I ended up giving 50 bucks at the fundraiser. There’s high pressure and you’re expected to give something. I gave 50 bucks just so I could get the focus off of me,” he says. “But after I did that it was like blood in the water. I started getting the executive director for Foundation [the night and weekend crew at the org] and the regges trying to sign me up for this and that. the executive director, Cathy Moore, even started showing up at my work and at my house. She wouldn’t leave until we agreed to give her $30,000 for a Clear package. She went on for hours and hours.”

As any former Scientologist can tell you, when regges and EDs smell money, they can be incredibly persistent.

“She ended up not taking no for an answer. We had to say yes,” he says.

But there was a problem: Mark didn’t have the money.

“I think my highest limit was a $500 credit card,” he remembers.

But then he was brought down to the registrar’s office, and that’s when the Chase Wave began.

“They called the credit card company. They had their whole list of things they went through. ‘I’m here with Mark, I’m talking on Mark’s behalf.’ The Chase operator asked me, ‘Mark, do I have your permission to have Jason speak on your behalf?'”

Mark says he was stuck. He gave his permission.

“First it was Chase Freedom Card. I want to say they got an $18,000 or $20,000 limit, and maxed it out. Then they got me the Chase Marriott card as well, for another $18,000. So that’s like $38,000 total limit, and they charged $35,000 to $38,000 right away. Basically, they maxed them both out is what I recall.”

The experience Mark describes is exactly what is spelled out in the Chase Wave document we posted Sunday.

Mark explains that he hadn’t been making bad money at the time, but he lost his job a couple of months later, and started driving for Uber when it was still a new company. It was their only income.

He says they had no choice but to sell their house because of the crushing debt from the credit cards.

“The house was my wife’s grandmother’s house. Her mother had grown up in the house.” And losing it was not only a financial hardship. It hurt emotionally.

With the equity from the house they paid off the credit card debt, and moved to New Mexico for a couple of years.

“That was the Chase Wave,” Mark says. “I still have those cards. But I’ve paid them off.”

And no thanks to Scientology.

“The Sea Org people were telling me I could take the debt from Chase and move it to Citi or Discover to get another zero percent card. They were basically telling me not to pay it and just keep swapping it. It was bad advice,” he says.

And while they were telling you just to move the debt around to keep from paying it, were they still asking you for more?

“That’s why I left. I realized these high-pressure tactics were never going to end,” he says.

We also heard from one of our regular tipsters, George McAlpine, who sent us this recollection.

In February 2019 I had difficulty paying for services on a Chase Card at the New York Org and had to switch over to Capital One to get it through. A few months later the Flag registrar (Russell from England) was trying to close on getting me to buy a complete Congresses package and wearing me down on the ACC’s. But he couldn’t get the money out of me because at that point all my cards were Chase and my credit was in the crapper, so I couldn’t open another one with another company.
It seemed I was on the phone for hours until some woman came on the line and suggested putting it through Paypal, where I still had some credit. They were big time driving me away from Chase.
Thankfully by the end of 2019 I got out of the Church, with only credit card debt and about 30 boxes of worthless LRH Congresses and ACCs cluttering up my apartment to show for it. Can’t even give them away on eBay nowadays. Because of my out-ethics I was never actually able to get the services I paid for in the New York Org. Thankfully, I didn’t get too deep into the madness.

Well, there you go. A new source brought us a document spelling out the Chase Wave, and he said it had caused so many defaults by 2019 Chase had blacklisted Scientology and members were told they couldn’t use Chase cards for services.

We’ve now heard from two recent defectors from Scientology, both on the record with their full names, describing that exact situation. Mark Fladd says the Chase Wave was used to open up lines of credit he couldn’t afford, and then by 2019 George McAlpine said the church wouldn’t take his Chase card, just as our original source said.

Three days. It took us three days to receive, publish, and then confirm this document, which appears to show Scientology coordinating a widespread fraud.

Three mother effing days.

What is the FBI’s excuse?

——————–

Leah Remini podcast: Pastor Willy Rice

Says Mike: “We welcome Dr. Willy Rice, Senior Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater to the podcast. Willy has been one of the few community leaders who has taken a strong, public stance against the abuses of Scientology. We talk about the influence of Scientology in the community and the lie that you can a Christian and a Scientologist.” Listen to the episode right here!

——————–

Sign up for a daily email when we post a new story on Scientology.

——————–

“The only other thing I could tell that you really need to know about this meter is, when it’s all the way up to the vicinity of 6.0 or even into the black, you’re reading a thetan who believes he is dead. Completely aside from the theta bop, these are the readings of a body if it were dead: But the thetan believes he’s dead up that high. I learned this from plants. When plants think they’re dead, man, they rise right up there and there they are. And a plant can conceive that it’s dead long before it departs. It says, ‘I’m dead,’ goes right on up here to 6.0. After that, you get no needle motion. You get nothing.” — L. Ron Hubbard, November 16, 1959

——————–

“You know, I get an idea of what it must be like for the Space Command Vessel ‘Astra’ to land amongst the Ooglie-Booglies and try to explain their perfectly innocent but super modern procedures for measuring gravity and communicating. They turn on an intercomm and the Ooglie-Booglies go into terror rumours that the Astra keeps live men in little boxes! Even staid old England has it that we deal in black magic! Certainly anything that works as fast as our tech and admin MUST be magical! REASSURANCE is the keynote of showing anyone around this ship. Show them the fire dectors, the gyro room, the electro-log, the two radars, where they are on the chart, how lifeboats work, copies of the SWPB. Feed them well, give them lots of drinks. Whoever is in charge of the guests should be inventive of things to interest them and be REASSURING, noting and cheering up any misunderstoods. Make good friends out of the guests.” — The Commodore, November 16, 1969

——————–

“Don’t forget that LRH did a lot of research. I.e., why does the body sleep? Because of the photosynthesis cycle? Even if bodies were manufactured, why do cells retain memory in the form of engrams? Hmm. Also if bodies are manufactured you have to have a thetan in them to animate them, yeah? Hence an entity, yeah? Hmmm when people think they are famous well that’s a matter for auditing. The track is very long and there are many similar planets and times and lives operating on the same implants. Before bodies there were thetans and theta traps and war with MEST beings. I don’t care who thinks what they were and how fantastical it gets just if they blow charge.”

——————–

1995: Developments from the libel suit against Time Warner by the cult. “I have just received a copy of the judge’s decision in Church of Scientology, International vs. Time Warner, Inc., Time, Inc. Magazine Company, and Richard Behar. Time magazine asked for summary judgment…and got it (mostly.) This means that almost ALL of Scientology’s case has been thrown out of court! The only issue remaining is whether or not the following statement, from Time magazine’s May 6, 1991 cover story, is libelous: ‘One source of funds for the Los Angeles-based church is the notorious, self-regulated stock exchange in Vancouver, British Columbia, often called the scam capital of the world.’ Scientology will try to prove to a jury that this statement is libelous and was written with malice. All the other libel claims which Scientology had made against Time, for other things that were said in the same article, have been thrown out. The entire case has been reduced to these 29 words (27 if you count hyphenated words as one.)”

——————–

“My wife used to say the reason I was a such a morbid negative weirdo was because of all the horrible stories my dad use to tell me about Korea and WWII and all the other mondo cane shit he saw during his time in the merchant marines. I think she may have been right.”

——————–

Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Next hearing set for February 8. Trial scheduled for August 29, 2022.
— Jay and Jeff Spina, Medicare fraud: Jay sentenced to 9 years in prison. Jeff’s sentencing to be scheduled.
— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Pretrial conference December 17 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for November 19.
— Joseph ‘Ben’ Barton, Medicare fraud: Pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing.

Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Eleventh Circuit affirmed ruling granting Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Garcias considering next move.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ US Supreme Court denied Valerie’s petition Oct 4.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: California Supreme Court granted review on May 26 and asked the Second Appellate Division to direct Judge Steven Kleifield to show cause why he granted Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Oral arguments held November 2, awaiting a ruling.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9, 2020 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Dec 17: Feshbachs sign court judgment obliging them to pay entire $3.674 million tax debt, plus interest from Nov 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for June 28, 2022.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Case appealed on Dec 23. Appeal hearing held Aug 23-27. Awaiting a ruling.

——————–

Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Judge in Danny Masterson lawsuit doubts Scientology ‘arbitration,’ sets hearing
[TWO years ago] Scientology banned his book and trashed him as an apostate. Here’s his full-throated reply!
[THREE years ago] Scientology’s ‘Super Power’ poster boy gets dunked on by yet another irked judge
[FOUR years ago] How Pete Griffiths sued a Scientologist and ended up being vilified by former friends
[FIVE years ago] Scientology’s websites try a little too hard to convince you that all is right in crazy town
[SIX years ago] Lisa McPherson in Orlando: What her hotel roommate witnessed, and the Slaughter rule
[SEVEN years ago] Sunday Funnies: Get yer boots on for some Scientology line dancing in Austin!
[EIGHT years ago] Jon Atack: Did Mary Sue Hubbard Doubt Scientology’s Key Experience?
[NINE years ago] Scientology’s Big Gamble: “Golden Age of Tech 2” Is Here!
[TEN years ago] Scientology Watching Gets Fancy!

——————–

Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,486 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,991 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,511 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,531 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,422 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,729 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,597 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,371 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,701 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,175 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,491 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,057 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,976 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,144 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,725 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,986 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,022 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,737 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,262 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 617 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,792 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,343 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,492 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,812 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,667 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,786 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,142 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,445 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,551 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,949 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,825 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,408 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,903 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,157 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,266 days.

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on November 16, 2021 at 07:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

DOCUMENT LEAK: Did the ‘Chase Wave’ cause a blacklisting of Scientology?

Tony Ortega — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 12:00:52 +0000

An “under the radar” Scientologist — someone who is considered an active member by the church, but who is actually reading “entheta” websites like this one — reached out to us with a startling claim.

They say that in the last few years, Scientology registrars — called “regges” in Scientology parlance — developed a specific high-pressure routine to encourage members to rack up huge credit card bills, which not only left them under crushing debt, but also created a backlash from the credit card company.

One reason that we are taking this claim seriously is that we have already published multiple accounts in recent years of similar schemes, with victims like Efrem Logreira and an elderly woman in the Midwest seeking legal redress after they were put under intense pressure by Scientology registrars to open credit card accounts and immediately max them out by purchasing Scientology services.

Our new source says that this practice developed a specific method and a specific name.

They say it was called the “Chase Wave.”

Our source has passed on to us a document they received from a registrar, spelling out step by step how the Chase Wave worked, with members being pressured to open specific Chase credit card accounts to achieve a zero percent interest rate and then roll up huge balances.

Our source says that the Chase Wave became so prevalent between 2016 to 2019, it provoked a reaction from Chase itself, which noticed that so many defaults were coming from Scientologists.

“This led Chase to blacklist all charges to Scientology merchants from going through on Chase,” our source says. “You could confirm the blacklisting with other Scientologists who were in between 2018 to 2019. They will confirm that orgs like Flag, Freewinds, and LA Org would ask public if they had other cards to use or other forms of payment instead when they presented a Chase card to pay for services. After Chase banned the Church all the Sea Org regges in every country were busted from post and put on heavy MEST work….The regges were only busted as a scapegoat once what was being done was discovered externally.”

This is a big claim, and we have no confirmation of it. But we would like to hear from any other Scientologists who had experience with the Chase Wave, or who can confirm that they were told they could not use Chase cards for purchases after 2018.

In order to protect our source, we have reproduced only the text of the document our source says that regges were sharing with each other that contained instructions for the Chase Wave. We’re looking forward to reactions from the financial industry readers of this blog. Again, we have no confirmation of what our source is saying, but we’ve put out messages to several recent victims of Scientology financial schemes to see if the Chase Wave is familiar to them.

Chase Wave instructions:
1. Choose the best intro APR card for your needs. The staple card has been the Freedom for 5% cash back on select categories, but the Slate card is perfect for balance transfers and the new Freedom Unlimited pays 1.5% on any charges. So be sure to pick the right card for your needs:
a. Chase Freedom Unlimited https://creditcards.chase.com/credit-cards/chase-freedom-unlimited
b. Chase Freedom https://creditcards.chase.com/credit-cards/chase-freedom
c. Chase Slate https://creditcards.chase.com/credit-cards/chase-slate
2. Apply for the card online through the Chase website. The links provided will take you to the information on the card and you can apply from there. Some important points on the application:
a. Kind of obvious but really important – make sure there are no mistakes/typos in the personal contact info (name & address) and on the social security number.
Advertisement
b. On the 2nd page of the application be sure to “check” (click) that you have a checking and savings account. These get missed sometimes.
c. Your annual income reported needs to be as much as possible. Read the disclosure Chase highlights in the field. Include “house hold” (anyone you live with). Include your relationship income if they’re ok with it. If you’re applying to let someone else use the card, include his or her income as per the final disclosure from Chase.
3. Do not add an authorized user or any balance transfers at this time. You can do so later if you want.
4. Check the agree box and submit the application. Do not go back or click out of the screen. Wait while it processes it. Two things can happen at this point:
a. You’re approved! Note down the amount and what the APR will go to after 15 months. Go to step 6 if this is the case
b. You are application goes pending. The screen says they need more time to review the application and you will get a letter within 7-14 days.
5. If the application goes pending: this means a credit analyst needs to review your application. You’re going to call them (888-270-2127) and find out what they need. The analyst has the ability to approve or disapprove your application. It is important that you establish whether or not they are a social personality or anti-social. To do this you simply say: Hello I applied for a credit card online and would like to get a decision on it today – can you help me? If the analyst sounds robotic or unhelpful in his response (example: no ack – what is your social security number so I can look it up?), hang up and call back. Do this until you find someone who says yes and sounds sincere. Here are some further steps on this once you establish the social analyst:
a. Give them your social security to look up the application.
b. One of three scenarios will now happen:
i. You’ve been declined. Find out why exactly. They can tell you the reasons. If you disagree or feel there is false information, then ask then to reconsider. Explain what the inaccuracies are. For instance, recently a person paid off over $19,000 in credit card debit. Chase did not see this payment on Experian so they “cross pulled” credit reports with the other two bureaus, this showed they had paid that much and the analyst turned the decision from denied to approved. Moral of the story: don’t be dismayed if initially denied – the analyst can reconsider and overturn the denial. Note: the only denial they cannot reconsider is if you have opened more than 5 cards within the last 2 years. ☹
ii. They need to review your application and see if you’re a good credit risk. They will ask you questions about your application (job and income) and data on your credit report and history. Don’t be thrown off by personal information they have from your credit report. Sell them that you’re a good risk – have always paid on time, pay more than enough, pay off balances each month, etc. however you handle your credit cards explain that. You should be able to get approved. If they deny you, get the data and hang up. Talk to a reg who knows credit analysts. Come up with the correct handling and then call back explaining what happened and asking for a reconsider. Multiple times people have gone from denial to approval this way. Stay Positive!
c. You need to get verified by their Identity Verifications Dept. This is good – it means you are approved pending identity verification. Take down the ref number and phone number. Call IDV and they will walk you through the verification process. Be sure to get what limit you have been approved for. IDV’s number is 877-470-9042 & they can look you up through your social security number.
6. Once you have the first good card, now you apply for the other “bad” cards. Important note: you need to clear your search history & cookies after every application. Through your IP address Chase will say you’ve already done an application and to call them to find out. If you clear the search history and cookies, you will be able to do the other applications with no problem.
7. Here are the other cards to apply for. All the proceeding steps from 2 through 5a, b & c apply. Also, between card applications 3 and 5 they will deny you for too many cards with Chase (they have a cap). Stop applying for cards at this point. Additionally, if you have to talk to analysts after each application, explain to them you really want this card for travel or points or whatever the card is for. Tell them you like Chase and want 3-4 of their specific cards.
Advertisement
a. United Club Card: https://creditcards.chase.com/credit-cards/united-mileageplus-club
b. Ritz Carlton Card: https://creditcards.chase.com/credit-cards/ritz-carlton-rewards
c. Disney Premier Card: https://creditcards.chase.com/credit-cards/disney-premier
d. Marriott Rewards Card: https://creditcards.chase.com/credit-cards/marriott-premier
e. Southwest Card: https://creditcards.chase.com/credit-cards/southwest-premier
8. Be sure to note down how much each card is approved for.
9. 24 hours later call this number (888-298-5623) and tell them you would like to merge your United, Ritz and Disney cards (whatever bad cards you got) with your good card. Merge each limit to the good card (from step 1) & be sure the bad cards are closed out. This avoids their fee and makes one huge good card that can be used. If they ask why explain that the Freedom or Slate is much better in terms of APR and rewards.
10. All cards will arrive in the mail and show up on your Chase online account. However, all the bad cards will be closed. Only the 1 large good card will be active. Be sure to activate it when it arrives.

Our source says that this high-pressure technique was used on Scientologists to bury them in debt because the church itself was getting increasingly desperate for money.

“LA Org had a period of several years where it was making over $600,000 a week. In fact, if it didn’t make this much each week, it was a flap. With the field as small as it is, you can’t make that much money without intense pressure for public to borrow money they didn’t have,” our source says. “Additionally throughout the US, the Ideal Org Sea Org regges would come to an area needing funds for a building and not leave until the majority of the field had done the attached ‘Chase Wave’ to fund the org. The pressure for Scientologists to do this was immense. I don’t think I can describe the depth of spiritual blackmail they would use on public. Phrases like ‘This is the first time in the history of the universe you can put your spiritual freedom on a credit card.’ I personally know ten people who still have over $500,000 in debt that they have little chance of ever paying back.

“Scientologists were able to take on huge amounts of debt, totally disproportionate to their debt to income ratio. I am talking 20-year-olds with $200,000 in debt. Elderly people with only retirement or Social Security income with $100,000 in debt. Thirty to forty people in each Ideal Org field taking on an average debt of $150,000 each using this method. People making $60,000 a year and taking on $150,000+ of debt. These are not rich people. These are normal people signing up for debt that they will most likely never be able to pay off.”

Have you been saddled with debt through the “Chase Wave”? We want to hear from you.

——————–

Sign up for a daily email when we post a new story on Scientology.

——————–

“We understand God because of the Devil; we understand this, we understand that. These are double data. The basic unit of the universe is two, not one. And we suddenly announce, ‘Theta has as its potentiality the location of matter and energy in space and time, and can, as well, create space and time.’ Well, once we say that, and the same time we say it has no wavelength, it — boy, we’re really describing a beast here. This thing couldn’t possibly have any position in the real universe. And sure enough, it doesn’t.” — L. Ron Hubbard, November 14, 1956

——————–

“At Group Muster last night the FSO was not satisfied that the requirements were met by S. Moreau, A. Tabayoyon, C. Varga and E. Hayes, so the above are still restricted to the ship and given 24 hrs to: Get all shore passes of those restricted to ship removed from QM desk and given to AMA. Run a series of drills on QMs to ensure they won’t goof again. Draw up a proposed watch stat for QMs which includes a heavy penalty for watch goofs. Get a list of all QMs given to Dept 13 so that gangway QMs be post purpose cleared.” — Lt. N.F. Starkey, Captain, November 14, 1971

——————–

“Aliens used 1/4 of earth animal DNA, and 3/4 theirs from another planetary race. This may explain the wild disparity between different pictures — different places….LRH collected data from Dianetics sessions for a couple of years before he wrote History of Man. A lot of this material was amazing just for the reason that the people had not communicated to each other and had the same incidents. Hubbard really thought he had all of these things correct. It turns out that some of these were in error because of people’s concept of science (their personal belief in ape-man-evolution and use of the faked Piltdown model). Hostile authors like Russell Miller and Jon Atack seized on this to make Hubbard look bad.”

——————–

2000: Tilman Hausherr reported on a book reading by Ilse Hruby of her new book, My Marriage to a Scientologist. “The reading took place in the library’s front hall, and was sponsored by Kiepert Book distributors. The actual reading was done by Natascha Kobitzsch. Thomas Gandow asked questions which Ilse Hruby answered. Besides that, an Austrian ex-Scientologist who draws comics was at the podium (Gerhard Foerster). He had painted a giant poster which was stuck up on the wall. It consisted of a Hubbard-head, an octopus and phrases from KSW (that is the one with which every course starts.) There were two, or possibly four Scientologists there. Ute Koch and a gray-haired woman I didn’t recognize. Ute Koch diligently wrote everything down, and even sketched the drawing. However she drew the octopus without the Hubbard-head; she wrote only ‘LRH.’ She looked unhappy. There were no disruptions. Ilse won the audience over quickly, there was some laughter as she described certain illogical, but Scientological methods of behavior. Thomas Gandow put on his Xenu baseball cap and told the Xenu story, which was a lot of fun.”

——————–

“Hubbard had it wrong from the very beginning. Man is an animal and nothing more. Detachment from the material world is one of the main reasons humanity is destroying the material world. Spiritualism is our get out of jail free card.”

——————–

Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

— Hanan and Rizza Islam and other family members, Medi-Cal fraud: Pretrial conference December 17 in Los Angeles
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud: Next pretrial conference set for November 19.
— Joseph ‘Ben’ Barton, Medicare fraud: Pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing.

Civil litigation:
— Luis and Rocio Garcia v. Scientology: Eleventh Circuit affirmed ruling granting Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Garcias considering next move.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’ US Supreme Court denied Valerie’s petition Oct 4.
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: California Supreme Court granted review on May 26 and asked the Second Appellate Division to direct Judge Steven Kleifield to show cause why he granted Scientology’s motion for arbitration. Oral arguments held November 2, awaiting a ruling.
— Matt and Kathy Feschbach tax debt: Eleventh Circuit ruled on Sept 9, 2020 that Feshbachs can’t discharge IRS debt in bankruptcy. Dec 17: Feshbachs sign court judgment obliging them to pay entire $3.674 million tax debt, plus interest from Nov 19.
— Brian Statler Sr v. City of Inglewood: Third amended complaint filed, trial set for June 28, 2022.
— Author Steve Cannane defamation trial: Trial concluded, Cannane victorious, awarded court costs. Case appealed on Dec 23. Appeal hearing held Aug 23-27. Awaiting a ruling.

——————–

Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

——————–
THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] Jon Atack quizzes Mike Rinder: Scientology’s former spy chief on L. Ron Hubbard’s paranoia
[TWO years ago] Scientology’s David Miscavige served again: This time in a sick case alleging child abuse
[THREE years ago] Records of Scientology leader David Miscavige’s speeding tickets contain a small surprise
[FOUR years ago] Tonight on ‘Leah Remini’: L. Ron Hubbard gets the Russell Miller treatment
[FIVE years ago] At an early age, Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard learned how to captivate the press
[SIX years ago] Jeffrey Augustine: Just a friendly reminder — Scientology prices are outrageous
[SEVEN years ago] Classic Scientology shenanigans as class action lawsuit is filed against legal opponent NAFC
[EIGHT years ago] Jefferson Hawkins Drops In To See What Condition Our Scientology Condition Is In
[NINE years ago] Lawrence Wright’s Book on Scientology — Going Clear — Hits Bookstores January 17
[TEN years ago] Scientology’s Sales Pitch: ‘Pure and Simple Blackmail’

——————–

Scientology disconnection, a reminder

Bernie Headley (1952-2019) did not see his daughter Stephanie in his final 5,667 days.
Valerie Haney has not seen her mother Lynne in 2,484 days.
Katrina Reyes has not seen her mother Yelena in 2,989 days
Sylvia Wagner DeWall has not seen her brother Randy in 2,509 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his grandson Leo in 1,529 days.
Geoff Levin has not seen his son Collin and daughter Savannah in 1,420 days.
Christie Collbran has not seen her mother Liz King in 4,727 days.
Clarissa Adams has not seen her parents Walter and Irmin Huber in 2,595 days.
Carol Nyburg has not seen her daughter Nancy in 3,369 days.
Doug Kramer has not seen his parents Linda and Norm in 1,699 days.
Jamie Sorrentini Lugli has not seen her father Irving in 4,173 days.
Quailynn McDaniel has not seen her brother Sean in 3,489 days.
Dylan Gill has not seen his father Russell in 12,055 days.
Melissa Paris has not seen her father Jean-Francois in 7,974 days.
Valeska Paris has not seen her brother Raphael in 4,142 days.
Mirriam Francis has not seen her brother Ben in 3,723 days.
Claudio and Renata Lugli have not seen their son Flavio in 3,984 days.
Sara Goldberg has not seen her daughter Ashley in 3,020 days.
Lori Hodgson has not seen her son Jeremy and daughter Jessica in 2,735 days.
Marie Bilheimer has not seen her mother June in 2,260 days.
Julian Wain has not seen his brother Joseph or mother Susan in 615 days.
Charley Updegrove has not seen his son Toby in 1,790 days.
Joe Reaiche has not seen his daughter Alanna Masterson in 6,341 days
Derek Bloch has not seen his father Darren in 3,490 days.
Cindy Plahuta has not seen her daughter Kara in 3,810 days.
Roger Weller has not seen his daughter Alyssa in 8,665 days.
Claire Headley has not seen her mother Gen in 3,784 days.
Ramana Dienes-Browning has not seen her mother Jancis in 2,140 days.
Mike Rinder has not seen his son Benjamin and daughter Taryn in 6,443 days.
Brian Sheen has not seen his daughter Spring in 2,549 days.
Skip Young has not seen his daughters Megan and Alexis in 2,947 days.
Mary Kahn has not seen her son Sammy in 2,823 days.
Lois Reisdorf has not seen her son Craig in 2,406 days.
Phil and Willie Jones have not seen their son Mike and daughter Emily in 2,901 days.
Mary Jane Barry has not seen her daughter Samantha in 3,155 days.
Kate Bornstein has not seen her daughter Jessica in 14,264 days.

——————–

Posted by Tony Ortega on November 14, 2021 at 07:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.