Diving Lore stands for fairplay and justice. Unfortunately there are those that cross the line and try to cheat and con hard-earned money out of more honest folk. Such individuals that are known to act in this way will be Named and Shamed...

Mark Potter claims to be able to take investments from expats and invest them in his 'company.' Then after a series of excuses claims the company has failed and is bankrupt. The reality is he has just pocketed the cash and seeks out another investor...

MARK POTTER - Bangkok, Thailand

Description, Pitch, and Modus Operandi

Claims to have police / military connections and can have someone killed if he makes the right phone-call to them.
Will at first claim that the business / investment is working well and that business is booming. After a month or so will come out with a 'sob story' of how everything has gone wrong, he's lost all the money (including his own). Eventually will return a small portion of the original investment.

Claims that the local 'mafia' or gangs are after him and spins many 'hard luck' tales. These include: A tough upbringing on a farm, being disinherited from his family and himself being conned. It is a con-trick to engender sympathy and trust.
Is incredibly convincing and gregarious, enjoying the center of attention and tell the most outrageous of lies while keeping a straight face.
Served in the US Army, he claims he is ex-special forces when he was actually a foot slogger (or infantry).
Is bald.
Suffers from psoriasis, a skin condition where red blotches and skin flake off.
Speaks with a Washington State Accent. Often makes inane, comical remarks to engender rapport and friendship amongst potential marks.
Smokes cigarettes but where smokers usually smoke 3/4 or all a ciggarette, he smokes only half.
Is typically casually dressed.
Last known residence is Ramintra District, Bangkok.
Will fake talking to someone on the phone, to trick you.
Currently using a Nokia phone.

Frequents Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy and Pat Pong. Here he often tries to entice potential victims into his schemes.
Has a Thai wife and daughter. He will claim his wife is not from the bars. She is.
Cheats on his wife shamelessly.
Lives off his army pension.

Diving Lore Investigations (DLI) has contacted Mark Potter but as yet there is no reply from either his mobile phone or email address. As per Diving Lore Name and Shame policy below are the contact details:

MARK POTTER THE MANAGER IS HEREBY NAMED AND SHAMED.

Imagery from what DLI and other sources have obtained.

Mark Potter has responded to being named and shamed! On the 9th December 2006 he sent this email:

'its ok you just created a big problem for your self!'

Mark Potter has responded, claiming yet another 'company' of his has gone bankrupt! On the 10th December 2006 :

'This is not the way to resove anything by the way i no longer even use that web site i never got any bussiness on it i no longer do vans for people any more i am working on other things i lost my ass with the van company all three ofthose van either blew engines and transmissions'

Its hardly a rebuttal for those unfortunates who've suffered and it may just be a ruse but if its true then it just shows what goes around comes around and a punishment of sorts is his! It is hoped that these 'other things' he has spoken of will not mean further trickery or foulplay to honest folk on their travels.

Diving Lore stands for fairplay and justice. Unfortunately there are those that oppose us and they are in our line of fire. To date Diving Lore and our loyal supporters have now recieved two veiled death threats from Mark Potter. These emails have been archived and stored in case of future problems. He refuses to compensate those who have been tricked by him and so this entry will remain on Diving Lore records for all time.

On the Company At Fault Severity (CAFS) scale this is rated : 9/10

Intro | Working for a dive resort | Things to know | Naming and Shaming