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Exposure #5
The Two Million Dollar Intern
He was a cunning Berkeley Law grad who lost his job and hatched a con. Then he got rich and ran fast on an outlandish Adderall-fueled rush of stolen cash, multiple identities, and a euphoric fantasy of success.
A Ponzi scheme was exposed, and a prominent Manhattan hedge fund imploded. Enterprising intern and financial wizard-in-training Gerti Muho saw it as an opportunity. He had insider knowledge and a knack for fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft. His steady supply of speed helped. Muho was on a luxury high. His luck seemed bottomless. Considering what was to come, he’d need it.
David Gauvey Herbert’s The Two Million Dollar Intern is part of Exposure, a collection of six incredible and true stories of American double lives from millionaire CEOs and suburban teens to undercover investigators and scam artists—all for whom secrets are a way of life. Each piece can be read or listened to in a single astonished sitting.
A Ponzi scheme was exposed, and a prominent Manhattan hedge fund imploded. Enterprising intern and financial wizard-in-training Gerti Muho saw it as an opportunity. He had insider knowledge and a knack for fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft. His steady supply of speed helped. Muho was on a luxury high. His luck seemed bottomless. Considering what was to come, he’d need it.
David Gauvey Herbert’s The Two Million Dollar Intern is part of Exposure, a collection of six incredible and true stories of American double lives from millionaire CEOs and suburban teens to undercover investigators and scam artists—all for whom secrets are a way of life. Each piece can be read or listened to in a single astonished sitting.
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2019
276 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 23, 2022
True Crime is sometimes unbelievable.
Really insightful read about a man who takes greed to a whole new level. It was interesting to ride this roller coaster of a story. Definitely entertaining and worth the short read.
Really insightful read about a man who takes greed to a whole new level. It was interesting to ride this roller coaster of a story. Definitely entertaining and worth the short read.
January 12, 2023
This real life story is mind blowing. He is a thief using the resources of the people he stole from, thus no overhead. Stories like this show how easy it is to be a mark. He is unapologetic like most con men.
Why read fiction, when you can have the real thing.
#32/500
Why read fiction, when you can have the real thing.
#32/500
June 10, 2019
Con Man Intern
This is a fascinating account of a con man with a great deal of luck. He learned from another con man, taking advantage of the state of distress at a hedge fund firm and began a crime spree that devastated many former clients and co-workers by stealing their identities. Fortunately, he made the mistake of stealing the identity of a billionaire's son. That enabled a family with considerable resources to hunt him down and end his drug filled crime spree. It is amazing how someone who could not communicate very well could steal so much. I'm glad he was caught. A great short read. I read this book using immersion reading while listening to the audiobook. The narrator, Neil Shah sounds a great deal like Zachary Quinto.
This is a fascinating account of a con man with a great deal of luck. He learned from another con man, taking advantage of the state of distress at a hedge fund firm and began a crime spree that devastated many former clients and co-workers by stealing their identities. Fortunately, he made the mistake of stealing the identity of a billionaire's son. That enabled a family with considerable resources to hunt him down and end his drug filled crime spree. It is amazing how someone who could not communicate very well could steal so much. I'm glad he was caught. A great short read. I read this book using immersion reading while listening to the audiobook. The narrator, Neil Shah sounds a great deal like Zachary Quinto.
January 5, 2020
3.5 Stars Rating
The book was very interesting and fast paced; however, I felt like I read a summary of the intern's background, history of frauds, and how he was caught! Some details would have been nice.
For a summary, it was a well written summary. I could not give it a 3 star. ^^
The book was very interesting and fast paced; however, I felt like I read a summary of the intern's background, history of frauds, and how he was caught! Some details would have been nice.
For a summary, it was a well written summary. I could not give it a 3 star. ^^
May 14, 2022
We hear about conmen every day; it is still surprising how "easy" it seems to be for some people. Although, having an actual license to practice law does help.
Muho's addiction to Adderall became both his blessing and his curse. He has 22 years to think about that.
Muho's addiction to Adderall became both his blessing and his curse. He has 22 years to think about that.
January 8, 2023
This could be a chapter in a neat book (preferably written by someone else, though) - as a standalone story, it kind of falls over. Still, an interesting glimpse into the hell of identity theft.
June 11, 2019
Right into the crux of the problem
Fraud runs rampant today. As a regular citizen, it often feels inescapable, at best a glut of spam calls and at worst losing your entire life savings. This short story is one example of a con man and the damage he does to a slew of victims. Gerti Muho began his career when the financial market was showing its dirty underbelly, interning for a man who was later exposed for fraud and embezzlement. He never seems to have skipped a beat, recognizing the opportunity for quick money and snatching it up. The Two Million Dollar Intern shows how frighteningly easy it is to take what doesn't belong to you.
Herbert dives right into the action in telling Muho's story. There's little time to dig into motives or to understand why it seems to have been so easy for Muho to turn criminal. Perhaps its more shocking that way, and to be fair without firsthand testimony the reasoning just seems beyond anyone's understanding. Herbert had an uphill battle getting information on the case, and he's laid out a tight timeline despite that fact. I would have been more fulfilled if I could have understood the why, but the author doesn't skimp on details about the who, what, when, where, and how. It's terrifying, interesting, and informative. The facts about how vulnerable an identity is will keep you up at night.
The book includes pictures and illustrations that add to the story. Its well formatted for electronic delivery. The size makes it a quick read, and the pacing will keep you engaged.
Fraud runs rampant today. As a regular citizen, it often feels inescapable, at best a glut of spam calls and at worst losing your entire life savings. This short story is one example of a con man and the damage he does to a slew of victims. Gerti Muho began his career when the financial market was showing its dirty underbelly, interning for a man who was later exposed for fraud and embezzlement. He never seems to have skipped a beat, recognizing the opportunity for quick money and snatching it up. The Two Million Dollar Intern shows how frighteningly easy it is to take what doesn't belong to you.
Herbert dives right into the action in telling Muho's story. There's little time to dig into motives or to understand why it seems to have been so easy for Muho to turn criminal. Perhaps its more shocking that way, and to be fair without firsthand testimony the reasoning just seems beyond anyone's understanding. Herbert had an uphill battle getting information on the case, and he's laid out a tight timeline despite that fact. I would have been more fulfilled if I could have understood the why, but the author doesn't skimp on details about the who, what, when, where, and how. It's terrifying, interesting, and informative. The facts about how vulnerable an identity is will keep you up at night.
The book includes pictures and illustrations that add to the story. Its well formatted for electronic delivery. The size makes it a quick read, and the pacing will keep you engaged.
July 21, 2019
Art of Deception at it's best!
This was such a well researched story and the fact that it was real? Don't get me started! It was crazy, it was scary and it was absolutely fascinating.
An intern who was careless enough to get a real job cared enough to make fast money?
As much as I feel sorry for all the victims of this ponzy scheme and multiple identity thefts. I did enjoy reading this fast paced short story about Gerti Muho - this genius con, a Berkeley Law Grad nonetheless. Also, trained by another master con, this keeps getting interesting.
A person of his potential has places to go only if he cared enough to use his wit for something a little less criminal. The truly fascinating part about this story is the sorry part too - one has to appreciate the intellect that went into the schemes which made Muho millions but what's the use of those millions if one's driven by Adderall rather than life, if one's so driven by drugs and alcohol to even notice the brilliance of their own mind.
The chase, the extravagant lifestyle, the drugs and of course all of that illegal money indicate life that's lived on edge but one that was destined to end badly.
The images in the book help relate to the story better, the style of writing was swift and engaging. Overall, it maybe worth your time if you enjoy reading about master cons.
This was such a well researched story and the fact that it was real? Don't get me started! It was crazy, it was scary and it was absolutely fascinating.
An intern who was careless enough to get a real job cared enough to make fast money?
As much as I feel sorry for all the victims of this ponzy scheme and multiple identity thefts. I did enjoy reading this fast paced short story about Gerti Muho - this genius con, a Berkeley Law Grad nonetheless. Also, trained by another master con, this keeps getting interesting.
A person of his potential has places to go only if he cared enough to use his wit for something a little less criminal. The truly fascinating part about this story is the sorry part too - one has to appreciate the intellect that went into the schemes which made Muho millions but what's the use of those millions if one's driven by Adderall rather than life, if one's so driven by drugs and alcohol to even notice the brilliance of their own mind.
The chase, the extravagant lifestyle, the drugs and of course all of that illegal money indicate life that's lived on edge but one that was destined to end badly.
The images in the book help relate to the story better, the style of writing was swift and engaging. Overall, it maybe worth your time if you enjoy reading about master cons.
July 14, 2019
Hmm, this story is by far not as riveting as Ms Mirage, another one in the Exposure collection. I listened to this one in the car and it was easy to keep my attention focused on the road.
Plot: Guy is too lazy to work. Steals $2m from another crooked hedge fund manager (surprise surprise). Runs off, spends it, gets caught, loses everything.
Then he tries his hand at identity theft, makes more money, but gets caught eventually.
This is the boring version of ‘Catch me if you can’.
The crook does not have an interesting personality and the story is only about him, other people don’t play a substantive role.
Also, the story does not have many ups and downs that would make it exciting.
What I found missing in the story is the discovery process. The story is told from the perspective of the crook, but an investigator perspective would have made it more intriguing.
The story of this con-man and identity thief is confirmation of the biblical truth that “the desire for money is the root of all evil. “ (1Tim6).
Now I know that reading about someone who is trapped in that desire is a waste of time.
Finally, the stuttering in the performance was not necessary. It is enough to mention it, mimicking it is unnecessary. The stuttering did not add much to the story.
Plot: Guy is too lazy to work. Steals $2m from another crooked hedge fund manager (surprise surprise). Runs off, spends it, gets caught, loses everything.
Then he tries his hand at identity theft, makes more money, but gets caught eventually.
This is the boring version of ‘Catch me if you can’.
The crook does not have an interesting personality and the story is only about him, other people don’t play a substantive role.
Also, the story does not have many ups and downs that would make it exciting.
What I found missing in the story is the discovery process. The story is told from the perspective of the crook, but an investigator perspective would have made it more intriguing.
The story of this con-man and identity thief is confirmation of the biblical truth that “the desire for money is the root of all evil. “ (1Tim6).
Now I know that reading about someone who is trapped in that desire is a waste of time.
Finally, the stuttering in the performance was not necessary. It is enough to mention it, mimicking it is unnecessary. The stuttering did not add much to the story.
November 9, 2020
Lots of Facts But Too Little Story. Okay at Best!
Financial crimes are difficult to make interesting, especially when victim losses aren't made a larger part of story. This fifth installment of the "Exposure Collection" was my least favorite of the series because it lacked engaging storytelling. I hoped to learn more about the people involved rather that just the retelling of facts and events. A missed opportunity.
Why would a smart graduate of Stanford Law School waste his education on a lowlife career of financial frauds and deception? That's the story I hoped to find but didn't. What were his motives? Too much was missing from this short work. Ugh!
The author does show how easy criminals can steal from others when identities are stolen by insiders with no scruples. However, quick grab-and-go thefts with shortsighted gains makes a clichéd and forgettable storyline.
Even Audible's narration couldn't add any oomph to entertain or inform. So glad I didn't read this one first.
Financial crimes are difficult to make interesting, especially when victim losses aren't made a larger part of story. This fifth installment of the "Exposure Collection" was my least favorite of the series because it lacked engaging storytelling. I hoped to learn more about the people involved rather that just the retelling of facts and events. A missed opportunity.
Why would a smart graduate of Stanford Law School waste his education on a lowlife career of financial frauds and deception? That's the story I hoped to find but didn't. What were his motives? Too much was missing from this short work. Ugh!
The author does show how easy criminals can steal from others when identities are stolen by insiders with no scruples. However, quick grab-and-go thefts with shortsighted gains makes a clichéd and forgettable storyline.
Even Audible's narration couldn't add any oomph to entertain or inform. So glad I didn't read this one first.
April 1, 2022
Berkley Law grad Gerti Muho (AKA Gerard Morgan and Enton Pinguli) worked at a prominent Manhattan hedge fund until it imploded. He then embezzled two million dollars from the company as it was shuttering and started a series of identity thefts to fund his gambling and drug addictions. He could have continued his spree for longer but a victim with means made it a personal mission and Muho was arrested in Queens by Postal Inspectors.
Given the trouble the author had, this seems like a detailed rendition of the crimes of Gerti Muho. If I was researching or citing this case, this might be a good resource. However, since not much context is given to the victims and it’s not a personal biographic account, the narrative falls a bit flat. It elucidates some about how easy early financial crimes were but stays in mostly neutral territory. Think magazine article rather than witty vignette. It’s fine and forgettable. Just another quick read if you like the topic or author.
Given the trouble the author had, this seems like a detailed rendition of the crimes of Gerti Muho. If I was researching or citing this case, this might be a good resource. However, since not much context is given to the victims and it’s not a personal biographic account, the narrative falls a bit flat. It elucidates some about how easy early financial crimes were but stays in mostly neutral territory. Think magazine article rather than witty vignette. It’s fine and forgettable. Just another quick read if you like the topic or author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2019
Short reading notes: The Two Million Dollar Intern by David Gauvey Herbert
“Steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king.” - Bob Dylan
That's exactly what happened in this Prime Reading 48-page story, which is nowhere comparable to Frank Abagnale featured in "Catch Me If You Can" or Jho Low in"Billion Dollar Whale", both of whom at least make for interesting reading.
This short read is a glorified and embellished account of a low-life dope addict from a middle class family in Ridgewood, Queens, who squandered an education at the UC Berkeley School of Law, which his parents most probably had a lot to sacrifice for, and instead engaged in ID theft and fraud.
Identity theft, the scourge of selfishness, which cost victims billions, most absolutely including many readers.
Arrested in Queens, back in mommy's home to hide from the law, the fraudster was sentenced to 22 years on 40 counts of bank and wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering, and now makes license plates for the State of Florida.
“Steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king.” - Bob Dylan
That's exactly what happened in this Prime Reading 48-page story, which is nowhere comparable to Frank Abagnale featured in "Catch Me If You Can" or Jho Low in"Billion Dollar Whale", both of whom at least make for interesting reading.
This short read is a glorified and embellished account of a low-life dope addict from a middle class family in Ridgewood, Queens, who squandered an education at the UC Berkeley School of Law, which his parents most probably had a lot to sacrifice for, and instead engaged in ID theft and fraud.
Identity theft, the scourge of selfishness, which cost victims billions, most absolutely including many readers.
Arrested in Queens, back in mommy's home to hide from the law, the fraudster was sentenced to 22 years on 40 counts of bank and wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering, and now makes license plates for the State of Florida.
May 9, 2020
Here’s what this book is about:”He was a cunning Berkeley Law grad who lost his job and hatched a con. Then he got rich and ran fast on an outlandish Adderall-fueled rush of stolen cash, multiple identities, and a euphoric fantasy of success. A Ponzi scheme was exposed, and a prominent Manhattan hedge fund imploded. Enterprising intern and financial wizard-in-training Gerti Muho saw it as an opportunity. He had insider knowledge and a knack for fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft. His steady supply of speed helped. Muho was on a luxury high. His luck seemed bottomless. Considering what was to come, he’d need it.”
I listened to this book for free from Amazon Prime and I liked it. It was interesting.
I listened to this book for free from Amazon Prime and I liked it. It was interesting.
December 9, 2020
Interesting and a quick read
Crimes these days are becoming less physical and more digital. Criminals are just as tech savvy as most 12 year old kids. Gives pause to any person to think their life can be brought to a standstill with a simple loan or credit card.application.
This particular story left me wanting more details a out the seemingly easy path Mucho walked that led him to his crimes. A touch of Photoshop knowledge gives people a scary amount of leverage if they choose to use it.
Crimes these days are becoming less physical and more digital. Criminals are just as tech savvy as most 12 year old kids. Gives pause to any person to think their life can be brought to a standstill with a simple loan or credit card.application.
This particular story left me wanting more details a out the seemingly easy path Mucho walked that led him to his crimes. A touch of Photoshop knowledge gives people a scary amount of leverage if they choose to use it.
January 1, 2025
The true story of Gerti Muho, whose desire for revenge against his former employer and to live in luxury spurred him on to carry out a series of cons and identity thefts. The telling of Muho’s story was more of a highlight reel than an exposure or in-depth investigation, which was the purpose of the books in this series. Lazy reporting and bland writing make what could have been an interesting read a third-rate copycat of the Frank Abagnale, Jr. story. I recommend skipping this and checking out “Catch Me if You Can, The True Story of a Real Fake,” instead.
June 16, 2019
This book was very short but it will take you on a ride like no other, the winding twist and turns of a self medicated scammer. I have never heard of someone who is so devious and lucky. My mouth dropped more than a few times as I listened to his plans, which were executed, and allowed him to live among the best of the best. I was elated to hear that he will spend twenty plus years behind bars and will have to pay back more than he could ever earn legally. This was such a great audiobook.
February 27, 2020
Never a dull moment with Muho
This is a pretty amazing true story, a tale of a con man punching way above his weight class. The details of Gerti Muho’s rise and fall make for a fast and engrossing read, especially considering how little the guy seemed to care about the consequences of his actions. There is also some degree of judgement about how ineffectively Muho’s crimes were handled by the legal system before he eventually got caught.
This is a pretty amazing true story, a tale of a con man punching way above his weight class. The details of Gerti Muho’s rise and fall make for a fast and engrossing read, especially considering how little the guy seemed to care about the consequences of his actions. There is also some degree of judgement about how ineffectively Muho’s crimes were handled by the legal system before he eventually got caught.
July 13, 2021
This is an interesting series from Amazon, like something you'd find on Longreads and similar to essay length nonfiction. This particular story seemed suited to Vanity Fair or New York Magazine but actually was quite hollow as corporate crime/scam/swindler tales go. I kept waiting for this well-educated guy to perpetrate a massive scheme but instead he was Melissa McCarthy in Identity Theft. I will try another in the series as they are available "free" with Prime membership.
June 22, 2019
I wanted to like this more than I actually did. This is one of the stories from the Amazon Prime Series. It’s the story of a man who swindled a company out of $2 Million and continued on stealing multiple identities. There was nothing super special about the story itself and overall it felt like a long newspaper article type story of the crime.
January 25, 2020
As a one time friend and classmate of the subject of the story, I enjoyed having a summary of Gerti’s actions over the last decade.
The actual writing, well, the word sweaty comes to mind. I don’t know if the fact that this was written specifically to be co-produced as an audiobook had anything to do with it, but I could feel the author trying too hard as I read.
The actual writing, well, the word sweaty comes to mind. I don’t know if the fact that this was written specifically to be co-produced as an audiobook had anything to do with it, but I could feel the author trying too hard as I read.
June 10, 2019
Wasted potential
A cautionary tale about a young man with great potential who ended up being a fairly successful con man. As much as his actions sickened me, I was fascinated by the information about US Postal Inspectors. There's a group I don't plan to mess with.
A cautionary tale about a young man with great potential who ended up being a fairly successful con man. As much as his actions sickened me, I was fascinated by the information about US Postal Inspectors. There's a group I don't plan to mess with.
July 15, 2019
This Ponzi scheme was crazy and I think I would have liked it more if I had read the actual book! I found myself losing focus while listening to the audiobook.
I am definitely interested in listening to more Exposure audiobooks!
I am definitely interested in listening to more Exposure audiobooks!
May 6, 2021
Modern times!!
Just a small player really in a world that appears to have gone more than a little weird. Although we have .com artists here, this has an only in America feel to it. Fascinating!
Just a small player really in a world that appears to have gone more than a little weird. Although we have .com artists here, this has an only in America feel to it. Fascinating!
February 27, 2023
Not really my cup of tea. More of an expose. An enterprising young lawyer bilks millions before he's caught, hiding behind a defunct hedge fund company and stolen credit cards and fraudulent identities.
March 13, 2023
I didn't find this story interesting and failed to connect with the writing. If I'd know it heavily featured identity theft, I would not have read. It's obscene how someone can wreck so much havoc and go unchecked.
Read
March 14, 2024A fast read!
I'm always fascinated how these financial tricksters can create fraud as long as they can without blowing themselves up in the process. And then, when they are caught, they seem to just relax and live on until they die.
It's a short story, but quite interesting.
I'm always fascinated how these financial tricksters can create fraud as long as they can without blowing themselves up in the process. And then, when they are caught, they seem to just relax and live on until they die.
It's a short story, but quite interesting.
December 29, 2024
interesting story of fraud
Quick read about an intelligent fraudster that steals millions, steals identities, spends lavish amounts, flees, moves home with mom, then gets caught. Typical.
Quick read about an intelligent fraudster that steals millions, steals identities, spends lavish amounts, flees, moves home with mom, then gets caught. Typical.
June 7, 2019
This was a short read, and is part of the Exposure collection (free with Amazon prime). This was just okay for me; it was well written, but I just didn't get into the story line.
June 16, 2019
It's just not a very satisfying read. There is no real sense of closure and it just falls a bit flat. Shame for what is a truly fascinating and weird story.
June 26, 2019
Quick and a little incomplete
I enjoyed this mini book. Reads like a magazine article. The story of a scamster... One of many out there, I'm afraid.
I enjoyed this mini book. Reads like a magazine article. The story of a scamster... One of many out there, I'm afraid.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews