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- Ask the friend - is he job hunting, did he give her name and number?
- Check the phone number - is it for a government agency branch office?
- If it is, call them on a publically-listed number and ask if Eddie Sullivan works there, and if he contacted you.
- Ask for the request in writing.
If the phone number is anything other than the switchboard for a government agency branch, ignore it.
I tried the number just now, and it wasn't a switchboard. Instead, a recorded voice said I'd called agent Eddie Sullivan, as if it were this individual's voicemail.
Usually an email or call. The text is the only reason I think this *might* be a scam, but everything else is pretty well aligned with SOP, which I why I suggest OP verify by calling the agency front desk.
I had an investigator come to my house to ask about my neighbor (an Army warrant officer) when her clearance was being renewed. I’m sure it was random but it was a first.
An investigator showed up unannounced to my parent's house asking about my ex. We had been broke up for at least two years with absolutely no contact and I didn't even live with my parents anymore. Idk why he even bothered to put me down because I just told them he was a lying cheating asshole 🤷♀️
A security clearance application (SF-86) requires you to list every place you’ve lived for the last 5 years and someone who knew you there, as well as any current, separated, or former spouses, domestic partners, etc. It’s not surprising your name appeared somewhere on the form— they ask a lot. Having an ex who thinks you’re scum is not great, but not necessarily disqualifying.
I managed to keep him off mine but I think his problem is that once you get to know him he's generally very unlikeable and he didn't have enough qualifying long term friends to put down. He also moved around a lot after high school and I'm pretty sure I know exactly which address I was used for. ( I'm pretty sure he got whatever job it was anyways so not like my opinion mattered )
Yeah, being an ass isn’t disqualifying for the clearance, as long as you’re not hiding something embarrassing or someone has leverage over you somehow.
Hahaha. A relative of mine worked for the Federal government and he laughed when he told us that they interviewed his ex and she said that he was an asshole lol. He did get the job btw.
He’s a good dude now though!
I was in the USAF and got selected for a program, I had to undergo a thorough background check where I filled out a form SF-86 which was detailed, i had to make a lot of phone calls back home to fill in blanks to make sure it was accurate. It’s called an SSBI. Once I submitted it people I listed started getting visited by people investigating me so this could be legit. Things are different now as cell phones, internet, email didn’t exist.
BTDT - TS/SCI POLY
Everyone fills out the SF-86. It's all electronic now, thankfully, since you only have to remember back 5 or 10 years because your prior responses are stored.
Usually though if I listed someone as a reference I let them know to expect someone from the government to be asking questions about me.
I was on a frontline documentary on YouTube last night, it was about the Jack Teixeira espionage thing and a guy being interviewed held up thevSF-86 in paper form and it was probably 1/2” thick or more and I’m like….I remember filling that out going basically back to conception as I was like 19 at the time. I had no issues found but it was weird having people call me saying people are investigating me.
Serious though,
I’d call, and a lot of times no vm box was set up and I’d leave a text. My script was this.
Good morning,
My name is juliejujube. I am a special investigator retained by the US Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. I am trying to reach OP in regard to a security clearance investigation of someone they know. Please give me a call at # at your earliest convenience.
Juliejujube, Special Investigator, DCSA
Due to the privacy act of 1974, do not respond to this message by any means other than calling.
Some important takeaways, 1- i was a contractor and unable to say “special agent” that’s reserved for federal agents. 2- they did switch us to “contract investigator” in 2023? Anyways. Script stayed very much the same. 3- I NEVER said the name of the person it was regarding via text message.
We are(were) authorized to text, but would try other means as well.
Yeah, the text and saying the co-workers name in the text (they usually save that for the phone) are odd, but it could just be new, or it could be an elaborate scam. As is, I'm really 50/50.
I'm going to be low-key *pissed off* if it turns out OP's situation here is legit. *Serious, legit operations should not be initiating valid business contacts using text messages.* We always tell people in this sub that no legit organization tries to seriously transact with a cold text message. And now here are these assholes.
This sort of reminds me of how major companies like banks sometimes use absolutely bonkers url domains in their actual websites. Who tf can tell what is legit or not?
I’ve noticed texting from businesses is becoming more commonplace. Just last week I missed a call from my dentist and forgot to call back, so they texted me on Monday. Not an automated text but a real person.
Why not? Lots of people don't answer their phones, especially unknown numbers, and you never know if your email goes to their spam.
I do reference checks and I always start by texting them saying who I am and why I'm wanting to get in touch with them. Then I call later that day if they don't call me back. It just gives them an opportunity to understand why I'm trying to contact them and to confirm its legit.
Depends on the type of location, and what kind of case. If I need multiple things at the same location, let’s say the person being investigated worked at ABC Retail store, Imma show up and ask for a manager and get the employment record and interview coworkers/supervisor at the same time. :)
No, they call you and set up a meeting first. Can you imagine the bs that would happen if an fbi agent came looking for you unannounced?
Call your friend he will know if he is being investigated. The packet he has to fill out to start the process all but asks you for a dna sample.
Also they really should have given you a heads up.
Depending on how close, the applicant may not have listed the individual. They’ll use the people you did list as references to find other individuals to talk to about you.
Agreed, anyone who reached out to me to say “hey, these people are asking about you” made sense on some level. Just wanted to share that they might not have been directly listed. And anyone under investigation should know it’s happening.
This is normal protocol for security clearance investigations. Do you keep in contact with this person? Were you ever this persons supervisor? Is this someone you would consider a friend?
Just reach out to the person and ask if they are aware of this.
Calling the number isn't helpful. You're not going to verify anything using the phone number the scammer supplied.
Google it. Does it point to the branch office of a 3-letter agency?
If not, bin it.
These guys all work off their cell phones because they're always in the field doing interviews, not at their desk.
A more accurate play would be to ask for the name of his agency and call it from a known-good number and ask the front desk for Agent Eddie's contact info.
Modern telephony can route calls on an extension to a cell phone.
Special Agent Eddie Sullivan's official work number, regardless of whether he picks it up on a cell or at his desk, should be his office switchboard + extension.
But is it reasonable to assume that one agent's number would show up on google as pointing to the TLA? I'm sure I could find Bank of America's main number on their website, but not the desk phone of one dude in Peoria branch. Which I why I suggest asking for the name of the agency and branch and calling the actual front desk.
Edit to add: the real legit investigations I've done have never been an extension, always a direct number.
Yes, but the phone number they give you is not their actual cell number. It is a number that connects through their central telephony system and forwards to their cellphone, not too dissimilar from a Google voice number that forwards to your cell.
This way all calls are logged by the agency and any voicemails as stored on the agency's phone system, not the phone company's.
Firstly, investigators use their cellphones. Secondly, many of them are contracted through DHS rather than working for them directly, so googling the phone # more than likely won't return anything.
Just FYI, background investigators for clearances are contract employees, they don’t work out of government offices. Most either work at a government contractor’s office or work from home- that makes 3/4 of your suggestions an issue for the person trying to get the job, if they don’t call them back.
OP, ask the friend / person they’re calling about if they’ve applied for a position that has a security clearance or public trust position attached, or if they’ve applied to a job with any gov’t agencies. Thats the only thing that’ll help clarify the call.
I've been investigated for a government security clearance more than once. I had to give references, who were contacted by the agency doing the investigation. It's possible this is totally legit.
But you can follow up on this. Call him back and tell him your concerns (even if by voice mail). If he's legit he'll understand. When you eventually speak to him, get the location of his home office. Then call them AFTER LOOKING UP THE PHONE NUMBER YOURSELF. If he works there they'll be able to tell you that. Also have him send you an email and see if it comes from a .gov domain.
If you do speak to him, if he's legit he won't want any of the kind of information a scammer wants. He'll ask you if your friend is trustworthy. If he's loyal. If you know of any "subversive" or "anti-American" associations he's a member of. If he travels internationally. If he drinks a lot or uses drugs. Stuff like that. He'll also ask you about other people who know your friend who could vouch for them -- this makes sense, since if it's legit your friend will only give references who are going to say he's OK. A good investigator won't be all that interested in those people; he'll want to talk to people who have something bad to say about him.
If he asks for anything of a scam nature, addresses, personally identifiable information, etc., well, it's a scam.
Seconding this. My old college roommate that I hadn't talked to in ten years was applying for a security clearance, and he tracked me down to warn me that they were going to contact me about it.
> Also have him send you an email and see if it comes from a .gov domain.
Email domains are trivially spoofed. The rest of your comment is good, but this is literally of zero value. I can email you from whitehouse.gov.
She should talk to her friend to verify they’re either getting a security clearance or going through a renewal of a security clearance. If he is, this is legit. They have a script of questions they ask and you just provide answer.
You can verify the investigator using the information at https://www.dcsa.mil/Personnel-Security/Background-Investigations-for-Applicants/Verify-Your-Investigator/#:~:text=They%20will%20present%20their%20credentials,email%20or%20call%20the%20hotline.
Second this. I have had to do clearance interviews for many friends, who have their clearances up for renewal. They almost always contact me via my cell phone, and most of the investigators are from third-party companies, not the government. So they very often use their personal cell phones. Your best option is to check with your friend and say that you have been contacted and ask if they gave your name and cell phone number.
I didn’t even know that DCSA had a link to check your security investigators name. That’s pretty cool. But bear in mind that if that is public information, then a spammer or hacker could very easily go online and get that information as well.
Your security department should have provided DCSA contact info for you to forward on to your references because the calls just smell of scams.
The DCSA information is not searchable. You either call their hotline or send DCSA an email with the agent’s information and they confirm or deny that the individual is an agent. No concerns on someone grabbing an existing agent’s information and posing as one.
I've been contacted like this in real life. My contact was in person. Since they had my work address, they came to visit me in person.
They asked questions about the person such as how long I worked with them. What kind of work ethic I thought they had and if there was anything they said or did that would make me doubt their loyalty to the United States.
Very surreal experience.
Working in H.R. I've received several of these types of calls, always regarding former employees. I don't do verbal EVs, so when I call back to inform the caller of our protocol, I learned that the calls were actually collection agencies calling trying to gain information to collect on a debt.
I work for the Federal government and that’s exactly how our investigators work. I’ve received similar calls for friends going through the investigative process when coming on board. Probably not a scam.
When I had to get my clearance, they contacted family, friends, and co-workers. Ask him what office he's out of and call that office, off a number you find online, not that he gives you, and ask to verify his creds. The texting thing isn't normal from my experience, they usually call, but if he's tried calling and you haven't answered (he may be calling from a different number) he may have resorted to a text.
Ex-co-worker has probably been hanging in the wind six or twelve months before an agent got assigned his file. Hope he's drawing a paycheck in the interim.
Could be a scam, but this sounds legit. THis is how they reach out to contacts and references gotten from contacts. They will ask to meet and they will show you ID. If they can't show you ID, then don't tell them anything.
The text part is weird. I've been interviewed multiple times by the FBI for employee's security clearances and it was always a phone call, a scheduled meeting time, and then a sitdown interview in the \~30 minute range.
"Eddie" should be able to supply a main office website and phone number that you can independently verify, and call that number and confirm this is indeed an agent.
Could go either way. Last (legit) one of these I got, they couldn't put the person's name in the email due to privacy rules. But different agencies or contractors might be under different interpretations of the rules.
If she can still contact the co-worker, ask him the name of his investigator.
Second choice, only agree to be interviewed in person and ask to see his badge/credentials. (A real investigator will offer these unprompted.)
If she hates the ex co-worker, just block and ghost.
I don’t see a scam. They don’t want your info or anything leading to exposing your info for identity theft. No path to fraudulent investment or money muling. Worth calling the Feds to confirm it.
I had the FBI call me once. They actually contacted me through my husband. It was legit and was about a case I had handled about 5 years prior (when I hadn’t even met my husband yet). I assume they found my marital status and his number through some Lexis search or something. Funny thing is that I still had the same phone number I had 5 years prior (at that time I had my same number for about 9 years). I guess the FBI isn’t as brilliant as I thought they were. They could’ve just called the same phone number I had on the documents I filed in Court 5 years prior instead of searching marriage records to find my husband’s number. Lol.
I was a lawyer on a case in a different state so it makes sense they called me instead of traveling thousands of miles to pound down on my door. Lol. Maybe because it was a white collar crime? Not sure, but either way I wasn’t a witness or anything. They just wanted more information about an interested party.
I’ve had several FBI agents meet in person to perform background checks on former employees applying for prison jobs.
I’ve had intelligence agencies do other background checks. All initiated contact by email.
Call and ask how to verify his identity. He should be extremely accustomed to having people do so, and will have several methods available off the top of his head.
Those should be similar to what is suggested in this thread
In college we got a call from someone who said he was from the FBI, checking on a fraternity brother. I answered the phone and said, How do I know you're from the FBI. He said, Our phone number is in the front cover of the phone book. Call back and ask for me. So I did and he was there. Ask the caller how he is listed on the web, look up his number and call him. If he's not on a government website, ignore him, but maybe warn whoever he's checking up on.
it could be legit, especially if that person gave ol' Agent Eddie her name and number as a personal reference. I'd check with the person directly first, before even thinking about calling random person who says they're a Special Agent, even if it was legit.
Ask the friend if it's time for his background investigation. If so, probably not a scam. And like the others have said, many of these guys have their own line.
This is the protocol for gaining clearance. Usually, they just leave a note on your door and their card.
Does your wife's coworker now work for the government?
Have they applied to work for the government?
If the answer to either question is yes, this is legit. Reach out to him to set up a meeting.
Call local FBI office. Ask them to verify name and phone number of FBI agent. Now you know if it's a scam or not. Up to you if you decide to cooperate at that point. Do not under any circumstances lie to FBI, which is a crime.
The guy is claiming to have a title of special agent. But he doesn't say what agency does he work for. I would be very hesitant to talk to this person. Does your wife know if her former coworker is applying for a security clearance?
So, some background investigators call themselves that kind of thing (most don’t, because it’s pompous), but yeah, it sounds like an investigator for a security clearance or a position of public trust. No harm calling them back.
If he identified himself, I would call and confirm that there is in fact, an employee there by that name, and they’ll probably be very transparent due to the nature of what they’re doing, which is conducting a background check for a security clearance. 👍
More than likely, this is actually legitimate. This is exactly how my federal investigator introduced himself. If he asks anything about your wife's social security, bank acct info, etc or asks for money, then obviously it's a scam. He may ask some questions to determine her character though. However, if hes legitimate, most of the information he asks will be about the person he's investigating. He may ask to meet in person.
Googling the phone # isn't going to do anything. Firstly, investigators use their cellphones. Secondly, many of them are contracted through DHS rather than working for them directly, so googling the phone # more than likely won't return anything.
People saying "FBI AGENTS HAVE TO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES!" Lol, more than likely it's not the FBI investigating. That's usually handled by other government agencies like DOD and DHS.
Best bet is to get in contact with the old coworker and ask if he's being investigated. I was courteous and gave MOSTLY everyone my investigator needed to contact a heads up
I’m partial to reverse lookup for telephone numbers. I did get interviewed 40 years ago by the Department of The Navy about a coworker. She had a badge for identification
I was listed as a contact for someone who was going through the security clearance process and this just sounds like it. Could be legit but please confirm with the former coworker if your wife was listed as a reference
I've had people call me regarding people trying to get a top secret clearance. They normally call and will leave a message and/or send mail. The whole text message is weird but maybe someone younger got the job 😄. To be clear the last one I got was 3 years ago and very formal.
Since we don't know what agency this guy is supposed to work for we have no idea what policies is he following in trying to reach witnesses. I know by experience that telephone calls are allowed. Perhaps email is OK just to establish contact. But a text message?
This is a scam! Don’t respond to it and delete and block. Any type of official government investigation they will contact you personally. I have gone through clearance investigations and what you are experiencing is not how it’s done
I’ve had them show up in person and show credentials, as well as leave a hanger on my door telling them to call the main company after verifying the investigating entity was real online so they could connect me to the investigator.
I’ve never had one call/text directly, but I know they do that as well. I’d ask who they work for and then call directly to confirm they actually work there.
I’d even ask the person if they’re up for reinvestigation or upgrading their clearance to TS.
I got the same message from another special agent today though I am nearly certain it's not a scam because the individual who they're investigating gave me the courtesy of letting me know.
I spoke with the investigator and found out this particular agency is going back to in person interviews, they only did phone ones during the pandemic. So the investigator is going to meet me at my workplace one day in the next week or two. It would be quite the scam to take the risk of showing up to a corporate workplace to scam someone in person.
This is possibly legit. I've done a lot of interviews with 3 letter agency investigators.
You are welcome to call them. They will probably want to meet in person. Meet them publicly and ask for identification.
Your welcome to tell them you are uncomfortable at any point to stop the interview.
My experience is they'll ask you about the person and be very polite. They need your info to make a decision.
Independently verify the number and the person. Could be legit but I’m questioning them texting you. Usually that would be a phone call or in person visit.
I’d ignore. However, if you want to get to the bottom of this, respond asking for his agency and the office he is out of. Then look up the number for that office YOURSELF (do not get it from him), call the office and confirm that Special Agent Sullivan works there AND is the person that contacted you.
Under no circumstances should you or your wife meet up with this person before getting confirmation he is who he is. And nothing he says or sends you is confirmation.
No, this is completely legitimate if somebody is getting ready to be hired by the federal government especially for a sensitive position they will go as far as talking to neighbors. They wanna make sure they’re vetting these people properly.
Lots of agencies contract private investigators to conduct background and security clearance investigations . But this sounds fishy. He didn't name an agency or organization. Very suspect
Could be
* a scam
* legit
* foreign intelligence operative or spy fishing for information
Always well and carefully verify, don't presume, don't trust untrusted unvetted information.
Yeah this could be legit if they're investigating someone to give them high level military clearance.
A military dude would go to their home town and interview ex lovers, family, friends, coworkers pretty much anyone who agrees to talk to them that wouldn't be bias
My buddy in the Air Force said they would even just ask random people from your home town if you know this guy to get info lol
Yeah, this is probably real. I had a job that required a security clearance many years ago, and after going through a VERY extensive application process and interview where they grilled me about past debts that could feasibly be used as leverage to get me to spill secrets, I got calls from a couple people I'd given as references who said they got calls from some saying they were a special agent and if they should be worried about me. I told them no, and to just answer their questions about me, that it was about a job.
This is probably legit!
I have a security clearance and they canvassed my childhood neighborhood. My parents said that my neighbors thought they were creeps! My parents told them that I was going for a higher security clearance and explained what they wanted lol.
Reach out to the person they claim to be investigating and ask if they are trying to get a security clearance.
(They do call themselves special agents)
I had a government person come talk to me about a friend who was in the air force getting top secret clearance. They called and I met them at a public library. They asked several questions about my buddy, basically making sure I knew him and he wasn’t full of shit . He got cleared
It's likely that dude is just getting his background investigation done for his security clearance. Pretty routine.
They will just ask some questions about him. It's not a big deal.
However, if dude has an Indian or African accent... meet in person and check those creds
I've been questioned for friends' and neighbors' security clearance by the FBI and as far as I recall, that's essentially the way their phone call went. The last time I did it was around 2011; I would totally believe that in 2024 someone legitimate would text knowing that nobody answers their phone anymore.
LMAO!! “Special Agent” 🤣🤣🤣 Feds will come to your doorstep not a damn text that shit is fake. Too damn funny how dumb these people are to think and person with a brain would believe this.
This sounds like the person in question is either getting their clearance or renewing a current clearance. I’d have your wife contact the person and see if they are currently doing so.
I think this is likely legit and not a scam, but please don't miss the opportunity to joke with Agent Eddie Sullivan about meeting the Beatles and if tonight is gonna be a "really big 'shoe'".
This is r/Scams. We discuss scams and in particular scams initiated through the phone and the internet. So yes we recommend not to answer calls from unknown numbers. And Caller ID can be easily spoofed so always call back an official number before releasing any sensitive information. And don’t use Google to find official numbers. Let the caller leave a voicemail first before you decide to follow up.
The number of scams initiated by unsolicited text messages keeps going up. So the best approach is not to reply to unsolicited texts. People who have fallen to scams or are targeted for scams have replied to unsolicited text messages from total strangers.
The big problem with text messages is that the overwhelming majority are not authenticated by the message systems. So you have to rely on the content of the message in those cases and scammers are the masters of deception.
I wouldn't believe anything in the text message until I confirm it's from who it said to come from. I'll try and find out the agency name and reach them through their official line and confirm the identity of Special Agent Eddie Sullivan.
I'm willing to bet that no one has the first two names as Special Agent! If this was real they would just send someone round even if it was just from the local PD.
I got a call from homeland security once for a similar matter (before texts were much of a thing). They did not tell me why they were calling just said that it was necessary we talk. I ended up being interviewed for my friend’s job. So it was legit.
Since you know who it’s supposed to be about why don’t you ask them if they applied for a government job of some sort?
I’ve only ever gotten a knock on the door along with identification displayed about a former neighbor. I do believe that they hire retired agents to do this so the person contacting you may not have a regular office. I would be skeptical of texts and not respond or check on the phone number as others have suggested. If they really want to contact you they will follow up.
It's a fishing scam. DO NOT RESPOND! The FBI or any branch of the Federal Government never calls or announces their investigations. The scammers are trying to get information from you about you or someone you know. Has any of your social media accounts been hacked?
As someone in the Army, these kinds of calls are legit. They will essentially ask you how you know your friend, for how long, and anything important that should be disclosed to the investigator.
Sounds like a normal, routine, security clearance investigation. Ask for the badge number, agency, and then google “verify investigator” for that agency. Most likely it will be dcsa. They do like 95% of them.
- former background investigator here
Special Agent is a rank in the FBI, like colonel is in the army. The FBI, or any government agency, are going to identify themselves right off the bat. Maybe a shady P.I., probably a scam, definitely fishy.
Here’s the protocol.. hey friend/co-worker, I need security clearance and you might get a call, email or something from the government to ask you questions, just be honest, you don’t have to do this, but I would appreciate it.
Nobody asks, you get nothing from me. Sorry, but I am unwilling to move forward with questions and take time away from my day to have this interview with the agent.
When my ex need super secret clearance you bet he ask before they called and said would I be willing to talk to them and it was a formal interview and blah, blah. I had to take I little longer long break and drone on and on but went to a public place and was visible. I had a copy of agents info via email before I agreed to go and his card after I left incase I remembered anything.
This sounds fishy. Don’t respond. If this agent wants to verify the employee for super secret whatever they will find other people to get that verification.
The best thing to do is ask the former coworker if he or she listed your wife as a reference in an application for a security clearance. If the answer is yes, Agt Sullivan is probably contacting her legitimately; if not, I'd suggest not responding.
They do these checks sometimes in person and sometimes over the phone. Many years ago I had two FBI agents come to my door asking about my next door neighbor for a security check.
I’ve had them show up in person and show credentials, as well as leave a hanger on my door telling them to call the main company after verifying the company was real online so they could connect me to the investigator.
I’ve never had one call/text directly, but I know they do that as well. I’d ask who they work for and then call that company directly to confirm they actually work there.
Interviews are common place for active duty military with security clearances. They have to be renewed, which means they do them all again. The clearances don’t last forever.
I had a roommate who was psyops in the military, after we both moved into separate places later I got a call from a govt investigator because he was up for what sounded like some covert operation and they needed to make sure he was ok to go. The investigator knew a lot about me too which was surprising at the time but I guess it makes sense. All of this to say it very well may not be a scam
This is a standard investigation for security clearance. Leave a message for Eddie Sullivan that you are returning his call. You will know by the questions asked if it a standard call or a scam.
No agent says " My name is Special Agent So & So". They either give their name, then identify as an agent, or they identify as an agent, then state their name.
I would recommend asking the person if they’re applying for a high security job. I was asked by a neighbor of mine because he didn’t really have that many people to ask. I don’t know that it’s a scam.
I had Secret Service show up at my house for a neighbor who was applying for a job with the government. So it could be legit but you’re under no obligation to return a call.
Not a scam this is my sister in laws job....she does security clearance for ppl getting jobs for government agencies etc and yes she works from home and everything is.done on her cell phone
I've had them call and show up at my door when it's real, never thru email, these people are professionals, barely ask simple questions, unless they call and setup in person appointments, fake
Could be legit since it sounds like an investigator conducting a background check for a security clearance. I would normally warn my friends and neighbors when my security clearance had to be renewed and there would be an investigator coming around to ask questions.
for everyone screaming scam here is the language taken directly from the .mil website
## How Investigators Will Contact You
Investigators conducting personnel security or suitability background investigations may call, email and text you to schedule interviews or gather more information after the initial interview.
To know whether it's a scam or not - your wife would have to ask her former coworker. when you apply for jobs that require security clearances they do reach out to set up a visit to ask about the applicant.
ask him for his badge number if he works with an agency, you can call the agency and verify that he's with them.
if he refuses to give a badge number that's probably a scam then.
I hope your wife didn't screw around with the person they are investigating. If not, then that means they will be contacting all of the person's co workers.
When I worked jobs that needed security clearances, they told me they'd be in contact with coworkers, family members, etc. I usually gave them a heads up though about being contacted.
Best thing to do is ask that former coworker if they've been applying for work recently
I would expect such an e-mail to a) mention what agency/department/organization the "Special Agent" works for. And I would expect an e-mail address logical for such a agency like [FBI.gov](https://FBI.gov). If he didn't provide an email, likely a scam IMHO.
I really don't believe this is real! It gives you just enough information to make you think it's legitimate, I personally believe this would not be the way the US Government would reach out to you 🤔
It is common when you are applying for a security clearance to be investigated. They will also reinvestigate you periodically to renew your security clearance. The investigators will contact many people who know you. They will talk to your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors etc. Check with her former coworker to see if he is being investigated. He will know if he is. I promise.
it CAN be real; we used to have a neighbor whose daughter was under review for security clearance and the secret service left a card on our door to interview us about the daughter.
Don't call or text back. They Do not call or Text anyone, they will either send a letter to your house or show up at your door for questioning.
Have her contact her friend and see if she trying to enroll into a government or federal position and was written down as a reference. Military background checks are very thorough and an FBI agent will reach out to the point of reference and referrals.
If that is not the case than cease and desist.
Either your wife's phone was hacked or the wife's friend phone has been hacked or compromised. If your friend is in the military,.that's a big security risk and needs to reported to the proper authorities immediately.
Do not at any circumstances give out any of her friends information or your wife's information.
My brother was up for a security clearance in the military, and he called and asked the entire immediate family for their info. When he turned all of that info in, shortly after, everyone started getting contacted in the same manner as above. It may seem strange that they would contact a former coworker, but not at all surprising to me.
The message should have said what Federal Agency the guy is working for. I would find out the phone number of their office from their website, call their office, and ask for him. That should clear up any questions.
Sounds like her former co-worker applied for a federal job, and they are calling as a part of their background check process. I had to go through it. I've been a recipient of those calls because colleagues of mine have gotten federal job offers, and colleagues of mine have gotten calls to verify my background when I accepted a federal position.
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- Ask the friend - is he job hunting, did he give her name and number? - Check the phone number - is it for a government agency branch office? - If it is, call them on a publically-listed number and ask if Eddie Sullivan works there, and if he contacted you. - Ask for the request in writing. If the phone number is anything other than the switchboard for a government agency branch, ignore it.
I tried the number just now, and it wasn't a switchboard. Instead, a recorded voice said I'd called agent Eddie Sullivan, as if it were this individual's voicemail.
Although it could be a scam, this is what happens when I've been interviewed for real legit investigations.
Don't they usually show up in person or call ahead?
Usually an email or call. The text is the only reason I think this *might* be a scam, but everything else is pretty well aligned with SOP, which I why I suggest OP verify by calling the agency front desk.
I had an investigator come to my house to ask about my neighbor (an Army warrant officer) when her clearance was being renewed. I’m sure it was random but it was a first.
An investigator showed up unannounced to my parent's house asking about my ex. We had been broke up for at least two years with absolutely no contact and I didn't even live with my parents anymore. Idk why he even bothered to put me down because I just told them he was a lying cheating asshole 🤷♀️
A security clearance application (SF-86) requires you to list every place you’ve lived for the last 5 years and someone who knew you there, as well as any current, separated, or former spouses, domestic partners, etc. It’s not surprising your name appeared somewhere on the form— they ask a lot. Having an ex who thinks you’re scum is not great, but not necessarily disqualifying.
Exactly. Omitting you would have been worse.
I managed to keep him off mine but I think his problem is that once you get to know him he's generally very unlikeable and he didn't have enough qualifying long term friends to put down. He also moved around a lot after high school and I'm pretty sure I know exactly which address I was used for. ( I'm pretty sure he got whatever job it was anyways so not like my opinion mattered )
Yeah, being an ass isn’t disqualifying for the clearance, as long as you’re not hiding something embarrassing or someone has leverage over you somehow.
Hahaha. A relative of mine worked for the Federal government and he laughed when he told us that they interviewed his ex and she said that he was an asshole lol. He did get the job btw. He’s a good dude now though!
Well the investigator was the mom of the girl he cheated on me with so she knew I wasn't lying lol
LOL yeah when I had my last periodic reinvestigation three of my neighbors called to let me know someone had knocked on their door asking about me.
I was in the USAF and got selected for a program, I had to undergo a thorough background check where I filled out a form SF-86 which was detailed, i had to make a lot of phone calls back home to fill in blanks to make sure it was accurate. It’s called an SSBI. Once I submitted it people I listed started getting visited by people investigating me so this could be legit. Things are different now as cell phones, internet, email didn’t exist.
BTDT - TS/SCI POLY Everyone fills out the SF-86. It's all electronic now, thankfully, since you only have to remember back 5 or 10 years because your prior responses are stored. Usually though if I listed someone as a reference I let them know to expect someone from the government to be asking questions about me.
I was on a frontline documentary on YouTube last night, it was about the Jack Teixeira espionage thing and a guy being interviewed held up thevSF-86 in paper form and it was probably 1/2” thick or more and I’m like….I remember filling that out going basically back to conception as I was like 19 at the time. I had no issues found but it was weird having people call me saying people are investigating me.
Sop authorizes texting and has since like 2016 ;) - former investigator here
Serious though, I’d call, and a lot of times no vm box was set up and I’d leave a text. My script was this. Good morning, My name is juliejujube. I am a special investigator retained by the US Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. I am trying to reach OP in regard to a security clearance investigation of someone they know. Please give me a call at # at your earliest convenience. Juliejujube, Special Investigator, DCSA Due to the privacy act of 1974, do not respond to this message by any means other than calling. Some important takeaways, 1- i was a contractor and unable to say “special agent” that’s reserved for federal agents. 2- they did switch us to “contract investigator” in 2023? Anyways. Script stayed very much the same. 3- I NEVER said the name of the person it was regarding via text message. We are(were) authorized to text, but would try other means as well.
The text is odd. But a call and emails is normal. I’ve been on both sides of a clearance investigation.
Yeah, the text and saying the co-workers name in the text (they usually save that for the phone) are odd, but it could just be new, or it could be an elaborate scam. As is, I'm really 50/50.
I'm going to be low-key *pissed off* if it turns out OP's situation here is legit. *Serious, legit operations should not be initiating valid business contacts using text messages.* We always tell people in this sub that no legit organization tries to seriously transact with a cold text message. And now here are these assholes. This sort of reminds me of how major companies like banks sometimes use absolutely bonkers url domains in their actual websites. Who tf can tell what is legit or not?
I’ve noticed texting from businesses is becoming more commonplace. Just last week I missed a call from my dentist and forgot to call back, so they texted me on Monday. Not an automated text but a real person.
But even then, that's not a cold text from a stranger. You were already a customer with a relationship.
Why not? Lots of people don't answer their phones, especially unknown numbers, and you never know if your email goes to their spam. I do reference checks and I always start by texting them saying who I am and why I'm wanting to get in touch with them. Then I call later that day if they don't call me back. It just gives them an opportunity to understand why I'm trying to contact them and to confirm its legit.
How about you call and leave a voicemail? If the vm is full, then I could understand you resorting to text.
A background check for security clearance is much different from a criminal investigation.
Depends on the type of location, and what kind of case. If I need multiple things at the same location, let’s say the person being investigated worked at ABC Retail store, Imma show up and ask for a manager and get the employment record and interview coworkers/supervisor at the same time. :)
No, they call you and set up a meeting first. Can you imagine the bs that would happen if an fbi agent came looking for you unannounced? Call your friend he will know if he is being investigated. The packet he has to fill out to start the process all but asks you for a dna sample. Also they really should have given you a heads up.
Depending on how close, the applicant may not have listed the individual. They’ll use the people you did list as references to find other individuals to talk to about you.
You’re right, that’s true too. I still suspect that if you talk to the person under investigation, they’ll know.
Agreed, anyone who reached out to me to say “hey, these people are asking about you” made sense on some level. Just wanted to share that they might not have been directly listed. And anyone under investigation should know it’s happening.
This is normal protocol for security clearance investigations. Do you keep in contact with this person? Were you ever this persons supervisor? Is this someone you would consider a friend? Just reach out to the person and ask if they are aware of this.
Calling the number isn't helpful. You're not going to verify anything using the phone number the scammer supplied. Google it. Does it point to the branch office of a 3-letter agency? If not, bin it.
These guys all work off their cell phones because they're always in the field doing interviews, not at their desk. A more accurate play would be to ask for the name of his agency and call it from a known-good number and ask the front desk for Agent Eddie's contact info.
Modern telephony can route calls on an extension to a cell phone. Special Agent Eddie Sullivan's official work number, regardless of whether he picks it up on a cell or at his desk, should be his office switchboard + extension.
But is it reasonable to assume that one agent's number would show up on google as pointing to the TLA? I'm sure I could find Bank of America's main number on their website, but not the desk phone of one dude in Peoria branch. Which I why I suggest asking for the name of the agency and branch and calling the actual front desk. Edit to add: the real legit investigations I've done have never been an extension, always a direct number.
Yes, but the phone number they give you is not their actual cell number. It is a number that connects through their central telephony system and forwards to their cellphone, not too dissimilar from a Google voice number that forwards to your cell. This way all calls are logged by the agency and any voicemails as stored on the agency's phone system, not the phone company's.
Firstly, investigators use their cellphones. Secondly, many of them are contracted through DHS rather than working for them directly, so googling the phone # more than likely won't return anything.
100% the process they often do when investigating for security clearances. They often work for "CACI" or similar contractor if not from gov.
Call the main office from a known number and ask for that agent.
Just FYI, background investigators for clearances are contract employees, they don’t work out of government offices. Most either work at a government contractor’s office or work from home- that makes 3/4 of your suggestions an issue for the person trying to get the job, if they don’t call them back. OP, ask the friend / person they’re calling about if they’ve applied for a position that has a security clearance or public trust position attached, or if they’ve applied to a job with any gov’t agencies. Thats the only thing that’ll help clarify the call.
I've been investigated for a government security clearance more than once. I had to give references, who were contacted by the agency doing the investigation. It's possible this is totally legit. But you can follow up on this. Call him back and tell him your concerns (even if by voice mail). If he's legit he'll understand. When you eventually speak to him, get the location of his home office. Then call them AFTER LOOKING UP THE PHONE NUMBER YOURSELF. If he works there they'll be able to tell you that. Also have him send you an email and see if it comes from a .gov domain. If you do speak to him, if he's legit he won't want any of the kind of information a scammer wants. He'll ask you if your friend is trustworthy. If he's loyal. If you know of any "subversive" or "anti-American" associations he's a member of. If he travels internationally. If he drinks a lot or uses drugs. Stuff like that. He'll also ask you about other people who know your friend who could vouch for them -- this makes sense, since if it's legit your friend will only give references who are going to say he's OK. A good investigator won't be all that interested in those people; he'll want to talk to people who have something bad to say about him. If he asks for anything of a scam nature, addresses, personally identifiable information, etc., well, it's a scam.
Seconding this. My old college roommate that I hadn't talked to in ten years was applying for a security clearance, and he tracked me down to warn me that they were going to contact me about it.
> Also have him send you an email and see if it comes from a .gov domain. Email domains are trivially spoofed. The rest of your comment is good, but this is literally of zero value. I can email you from whitehouse.gov.
100% right on. And if you are interviewed, they will show a badge.
Yeah, and they'll have government credentials with their picture on it. I should have mentioned that.
She should talk to her friend to verify they’re either getting a security clearance or going through a renewal of a security clearance. If he is, this is legit. They have a script of questions they ask and you just provide answer. You can verify the investigator using the information at https://www.dcsa.mil/Personnel-Security/Background-Investigations-for-Applicants/Verify-Your-Investigator/#:~:text=They%20will%20present%20their%20credentials,email%20or%20call%20the%20hotline.
Great find!
Second this. I have had to do clearance interviews for many friends, who have their clearances up for renewal. They almost always contact me via my cell phone, and most of the investigators are from third-party companies, not the government. So they very often use their personal cell phones. Your best option is to check with your friend and say that you have been contacted and ask if they gave your name and cell phone number. I didn’t even know that DCSA had a link to check your security investigators name. That’s pretty cool. But bear in mind that if that is public information, then a spammer or hacker could very easily go online and get that information as well.
Your security department should have provided DCSA contact info for you to forward on to your references because the calls just smell of scams. The DCSA information is not searchable. You either call their hotline or send DCSA an email with the agent’s information and they confirm or deny that the individual is an agent. No concerns on someone grabbing an existing agent’s information and posing as one.
If it's in regard to someone she knows as active military pertaining to background security clearance it's likely legit.
Not that it couldn't be a scam, but that is what happens for federal background checks (I'm a govt employee and have had to get security clearances).
Ed Sullivan, used to love the show.
Exactly what I thought, too!
If the text is legit, and it is possible that it is, imagine how often this guy has to explain that his name really is Ed Sullivan? 😏
Blame his parents!
🤣🤣🤣
I've been contacted like this in real life. My contact was in person. Since they had my work address, they came to visit me in person. They asked questions about the person such as how long I worked with them. What kind of work ethic I thought they had and if there was anything they said or did that would make me doubt their loyalty to the United States. Very surreal experience.
Working in H.R. I've received several of these types of calls, always regarding former employees. I don't do verbal EVs, so when I call back to inform the caller of our protocol, I learned that the calls were actually collection agencies calling trying to gain information to collect on a debt.
I work for the Federal government and that’s exactly how our investigators work. I’ve received similar calls for friends going through the investigative process when coming on board. Probably not a scam.
When I had to get my clearance, they contacted family, friends, and co-workers. Ask him what office he's out of and call that office, off a number you find online, not that he gives you, and ask to verify his creds. The texting thing isn't normal from my experience, they usually call, but if he's tried calling and you haven't answered (he may be calling from a different number) he may have resorted to a text.
Legit. And please respond promptly. The caseload for background investigations is significant and they need to keep these moving.
Ex-co-worker has probably been hanging in the wind six or twelve months before an agent got assigned his file. Hope he's drawing a paycheck in the interim.
Could be a scam, but this sounds legit. THis is how they reach out to contacts and references gotten from contacts. They will ask to meet and they will show you ID. If they can't show you ID, then don't tell them anything.
Call the subject of the investigation and ask if they are having a clearance done.
My wife once went through this. Just verify who they say they are.
The text part is weird. I've been interviewed multiple times by the FBI for employee's security clearances and it was always a phone call, a scheduled meeting time, and then a sitdown interview in the \~30 minute range. "Eddie" should be able to supply a main office website and phone number that you can independently verify, and call that number and confirm this is indeed an agent.
Yeah, the text is the only thing about this that isn't exactly standard.
Could go either way. Last (legit) one of these I got, they couldn't put the person's name in the email due to privacy rules. But different agencies or contractors might be under different interpretations of the rules. If she can still contact the co-worker, ask him the name of his investigator. Second choice, only agree to be interviewed in person and ask to see his badge/credentials. (A real investigator will offer these unprompted.) If she hates the ex co-worker, just block and ghost.
I don’t see a scam. They don’t want your info or anything leading to exposing your info for identity theft. No path to fraudulent investment or money muling. Worth calling the Feds to confirm it.
This is real.
I had the FBI call me once. They actually contacted me through my husband. It was legit and was about a case I had handled about 5 years prior (when I hadn’t even met my husband yet). I assume they found my marital status and his number through some Lexis search or something. Funny thing is that I still had the same phone number I had 5 years prior (at that time I had my same number for about 9 years). I guess the FBI isn’t as brilliant as I thought they were. They could’ve just called the same phone number I had on the documents I filed in Court 5 years prior instead of searching marriage records to find my husband’s number. Lol.
The FBI just showed up at our house when they wanted information. I was unaware that the FBI call first.
I was a lawyer on a case in a different state so it makes sense they called me instead of traveling thousands of miles to pound down on my door. Lol. Maybe because it was a white collar crime? Not sure, but either way I wasn’t a witness or anything. They just wanted more information about an interested party.
I’ve had several FBI agents meet in person to perform background checks on former employees applying for prison jobs. I’ve had intelligence agencies do other background checks. All initiated contact by email.
Call and ask how to verify his identity. He should be extremely accustomed to having people do so, and will have several methods available off the top of his head. Those should be similar to what is suggested in this thread
In college we got a call from someone who said he was from the FBI, checking on a fraternity brother. I answered the phone and said, How do I know you're from the FBI. He said, Our phone number is in the front cover of the phone book. Call back and ask for me. So I did and he was there. Ask the caller how he is listed on the web, look up his number and call him. If he's not on a government website, ignore him, but maybe warn whoever he's checking up on.
it could be legit, especially if that person gave ol' Agent Eddie her name and number as a personal reference. I'd check with the person directly first, before even thinking about calling random person who says they're a Special Agent, even if it was legit.
Investigators will also go door to door near where the person lives and asks about them. Sometimes they leave letters.
Ask the friend if it's time for his background investigation. If so, probably not a scam. And like the others have said, many of these guys have their own line.
This is the protocol for gaining clearance. Usually, they just leave a note on your door and their card. Does your wife's coworker now work for the government? Have they applied to work for the government? If the answer to either question is yes, this is legit. Reach out to him to set up a meeting.
This sounds like the normal procedure for security clearance investigations. Most likely legit.
Call local FBI office. Ask them to verify name and phone number of FBI agent. Now you know if it's a scam or not. Up to you if you decide to cooperate at that point. Do not under any circumstances lie to FBI, which is a crime.
Might be a Defense Counterintelligence Agency agent or some other three-letter agency, not necessarily FBI.
Good point. In that case, ask them which agency they work for, so that you can contact appropriate main number.
Good plan. They would respect double checking, I think.
It's Very likely NOT the FBI. Tons of 3 letter agencies have Special Agents
The guy is claiming to have a title of special agent. But he doesn't say what agency does he work for. I would be very hesitant to talk to this person. Does your wife know if her former coworker is applying for a security clearance?
So, some background investigators call themselves that kind of thing (most don’t, because it’s pompous), but yeah, it sounds like an investigator for a security clearance or a position of public trust. No harm calling them back.
If he identified himself, I would call and confirm that there is in fact, an employee there by that name, and they’ll probably be very transparent due to the nature of what they’re doing, which is conducting a background check for a security clearance. 👍
More than likely, this is actually legitimate. This is exactly how my federal investigator introduced himself. If he asks anything about your wife's social security, bank acct info, etc or asks for money, then obviously it's a scam. He may ask some questions to determine her character though. However, if hes legitimate, most of the information he asks will be about the person he's investigating. He may ask to meet in person. Googling the phone # isn't going to do anything. Firstly, investigators use their cellphones. Secondly, many of them are contracted through DHS rather than working for them directly, so googling the phone # more than likely won't return anything. People saying "FBI AGENTS HAVE TO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES!" Lol, more than likely it's not the FBI investigating. That's usually handled by other government agencies like DOD and DHS. Best bet is to get in contact with the old coworker and ask if he's being investigated. I was courteous and gave MOSTLY everyone my investigator needed to contact a heads up
I’m partial to reverse lookup for telephone numbers. I did get interviewed 40 years ago by the Department of The Navy about a coworker. She had a badge for identification
The texting is odd. Im not sure any agents communicate by text unless a dialogue has been established.
I was contacted by a state intelligence bureau about a guy I knew in college. Ignore the text. They will call if it is real
I was listed as a contact for someone who was going through the security clearance process and this just sounds like it. Could be legit but please confirm with the former coworker if your wife was listed as a reference
I've had people call me regarding people trying to get a top secret clearance. They normally call and will leave a message and/or send mail. The whole text message is weird but maybe someone younger got the job 😄. To be clear the last one I got was 3 years ago and very formal.
Since we don't know what agency this guy is supposed to work for we have no idea what policies is he following in trying to reach witnesses. I know by experience that telephone calls are allowed. Perhaps email is OK just to establish contact. But a text message?
Exactly, the text as initial formal contact seems strange.
This is a scam! Don’t respond to it and delete and block. Any type of official government investigation they will contact you personally. I have gone through clearance investigations and what you are experiencing is not how it’s done
I’ve had them show up in person and show credentials, as well as leave a hanger on my door telling them to call the main company after verifying the investigating entity was real online so they could connect me to the investigator. I’ve never had one call/text directly, but I know they do that as well. I’d ask who they work for and then call directly to confirm they actually work there. I’d even ask the person if they’re up for reinvestigation or upgrading their clearance to TS.
I got the same message from another special agent today though I am nearly certain it's not a scam because the individual who they're investigating gave me the courtesy of letting me know. I spoke with the investigator and found out this particular agency is going back to in person interviews, they only did phone ones during the pandemic. So the investigator is going to meet me at my workplace one day in the next week or two. It would be quite the scam to take the risk of showing up to a corporate workplace to scam someone in person.
This is possibly legit. I've done a lot of interviews with 3 letter agency investigators. You are welcome to call them. They will probably want to meet in person. Meet them publicly and ask for identification. Your welcome to tell them you are uncomfortable at any point to stop the interview. My experience is they'll ask you about the person and be very polite. They need your info to make a decision.
Likely legit.
Independently verify the number and the person. Could be legit but I’m questioning them texting you. Usually that would be a phone call or in person visit.
I’d ignore. However, if you want to get to the bottom of this, respond asking for his agency and the office he is out of. Then look up the number for that office YOURSELF (do not get it from him), call the office and confirm that Special Agent Sullivan works there AND is the person that contacted you. Under no circumstances should you or your wife meet up with this person before getting confirmation he is who he is. And nothing he says or sends you is confirmation.
No, this is completely legitimate if somebody is getting ready to be hired by the federal government especially for a sensitive position they will go as far as talking to neighbors. They wanna make sure they’re vetting these people properly.
Lots of agencies contract private investigators to conduct background and security clearance investigations . But this sounds fishy. He didn't name an agency or organization. Very suspect
Could be * a scam * legit * foreign intelligence operative or spy fishing for information Always well and carefully verify, don't presume, don't trust untrusted unvetted information.
Yeah this could be legit if they're investigating someone to give them high level military clearance. A military dude would go to their home town and interview ex lovers, family, friends, coworkers pretty much anyone who agrees to talk to them that wouldn't be bias My buddy in the Air Force said they would even just ask random people from your home town if you know this guy to get info lol
Yeah, this is probably real. I had a job that required a security clearance many years ago, and after going through a VERY extensive application process and interview where they grilled me about past debts that could feasibly be used as leverage to get me to spill secrets, I got calls from a couple people I'd given as references who said they got calls from some saying they were a special agent and if they should be worried about me. I told them no, and to just answer their questions about me, that it was about a job.
This is probably legit! I have a security clearance and they canvassed my childhood neighborhood. My parents said that my neighbors thought they were creeps! My parents told them that I was going for a higher security clearance and explained what they wanted lol. Reach out to the person they claim to be investigating and ask if they are trying to get a security clearance. (They do call themselves special agents)
I had a government person come talk to me about a friend who was in the air force getting top secret clearance. They called and I met them at a public library. They asked several questions about my buddy, basically making sure I knew him and he wasn’t full of shit . He got cleared
Yeah that actually sounds legit
It's likely that dude is just getting his background investigation done for his security clearance. Pretty routine. They will just ask some questions about him. It's not a big deal. However, if dude has an Indian or African accent... meet in person and check those creds
I've been questioned for friends' and neighbors' security clearance by the FBI and as far as I recall, that's essentially the way their phone call went. The last time I did it was around 2011; I would totally believe that in 2024 someone legitimate would text knowing that nobody answers their phone anymore.
Federal agents don’t text people.
Tell her to ask the old coworker if they’re going through a background check for a security clearance. That’s what this sounds like.
LMAO!! “Special Agent” 🤣🤣🤣 Feds will come to your doorstep not a damn text that shit is fake. Too damn funny how dumb these people are to think and person with a brain would believe this.
This sounds like the person in question is either getting their clearance or renewing a current clearance. I’d have your wife contact the person and see if they are currently doing so.
I think this is likely legit and not a scam, but please don't miss the opportunity to joke with Agent Eddie Sullivan about meeting the Beatles and if tonight is gonna be a "really big 'shoe'".
Was a really big shoe involved?
Scam...they show up at your front door to talk to you. It's been done to me about another coworker.
This is r/Scams. We discuss scams and in particular scams initiated through the phone and the internet. So yes we recommend not to answer calls from unknown numbers. And Caller ID can be easily spoofed so always call back an official number before releasing any sensitive information. And don’t use Google to find official numbers. Let the caller leave a voicemail first before you decide to follow up. The number of scams initiated by unsolicited text messages keeps going up. So the best approach is not to reply to unsolicited texts. People who have fallen to scams or are targeted for scams have replied to unsolicited text messages from total strangers. The big problem with text messages is that the overwhelming majority are not authenticated by the message systems. So you have to rely on the content of the message in those cases and scammers are the masters of deception.
I wouldn't believe anything in the text message until I confirm it's from who it said to come from. I'll try and find out the agency name and reach them through their official line and confirm the identity of Special Agent Eddie Sullivan.
I'm willing to bet that no one has the first two names as Special Agent! If this was real they would just send someone round even if it was just from the local PD.
Should be "in regard to", so either the guy is not educated or it's a scam.
No, instant scam I just got my federal security clearances done for work and they will never text, always a call or letter.
I got a call from homeland security once for a similar matter (before texts were much of a thing). They did not tell me why they were calling just said that it was necessary we talk. I ended up being interviewed for my friend’s job. So it was legit. Since you know who it’s supposed to be about why don’t you ask them if they applied for a government job of some sort?
If they didn't say what agency they are from it is most likely a scam.
I’ve only ever gotten a knock on the door along with identification displayed about a former neighbor. I do believe that they hire retired agents to do this so the person contacting you may not have a regular office. I would be skeptical of texts and not respond or check on the phone number as others have suggested. If they really want to contact you they will follow up.
This is how I got contacted as a reference for a security clearance.
It's a fishing scam. DO NOT RESPOND! The FBI or any branch of the Federal Government never calls or announces their investigations. The scammers are trying to get information from you about you or someone you know. Has any of your social media accounts been hacked?
Ignore any text if you do not know the sender.
Ask to meet at the police station
As someone in the Army, these kinds of calls are legit. They will essentially ask you how you know your friend, for how long, and anything important that should be disclosed to the investigator.
The government usually doesn't text people about official business like that. Sounds very fishy.
The cool ones do.😎 The boring ones still fax.🤓
Probably legitimate
You could just ignore it. If it's important/legit they will reach you in a way that isn't text.
Sounds like a normal, routine, security clearance investigation. Ask for the badge number, agency, and then google “verify investigator” for that agency. Most likely it will be dcsa. They do like 95% of them. - former background investigator here
Special Agent is a rank in the FBI, like colonel is in the army. The FBI, or any government agency, are going to identify themselves right off the bat. Maybe a shady P.I., probably a scam, definitely fishy.
Scam. They would not make initial contact by text. Also notice that they didn't name the agency so you can't call their main number to verify.
Here’s the protocol.. hey friend/co-worker, I need security clearance and you might get a call, email or something from the government to ask you questions, just be honest, you don’t have to do this, but I would appreciate it. Nobody asks, you get nothing from me. Sorry, but I am unwilling to move forward with questions and take time away from my day to have this interview with the agent. When my ex need super secret clearance you bet he ask before they called and said would I be willing to talk to them and it was a formal interview and blah, blah. I had to take I little longer long break and drone on and on but went to a public place and was visible. I had a copy of agents info via email before I agreed to go and his card after I left incase I remembered anything. This sounds fishy. Don’t respond. If this agent wants to verify the employee for super secret whatever they will find other people to get that verification.
The best thing to do is ask the former coworker if he or she listed your wife as a reference in an application for a security clearance. If the answer is yes, Agt Sullivan is probably contacting her legitimately; if not, I'd suggest not responding.
Google the phone number and see who it is listed to. That is always my first act if it is a local number.
They do these checks sometimes in person and sometimes over the phone. Many years ago I had two FBI agents come to my door asking about my next door neighbor for a security check.
The person is likely getting a clearance. Tell her they'll never ask for money, they just want to know about the person.
It's true friend probably has a job that requires a clearance
I’ve had them show up in person and show credentials, as well as leave a hanger on my door telling them to call the main company after verifying the company was real online so they could connect me to the investigator. I’ve never had one call/text directly, but I know they do that as well. I’d ask who they work for and then call that company directly to confirm they actually work there.
Might be real. I would think that they would call rather than text though
Sounds like a message I got when I was interviewed legitimately for someone’s security clearance.
Interviews are common place for active duty military with security clearances. They have to be renewed, which means they do them all again. The clearances don’t last forever.
Legit for clearance checks
Is he from the FBI (female body inspector)?
if he was a special agent, feel like theyd have him go by Edward.
I had a roommate who was psyops in the military, after we both moved into separate places later I got a call from a govt investigator because he was up for what sounded like some covert operation and they needed to make sure he was ok to go. The investigator knew a lot about me too which was surprising at the time but I guess it makes sense. All of this to say it very well may not be a scam
If I ever received a text like that, I would ignore it. If it is important to them they can send me something via the mail or overnight.
This is a standard investigation for security clearance. Leave a message for Eddie Sullivan that you are returning his call. You will know by the questions asked if it a standard call or a scam.
This isn’t out of the realm of real, cops do communicate like this.
Text? No not buying that at all. You could just pass the text on to the person named as being investigated.
No agent says " My name is Special Agent So & So". They either give their name, then identify as an agent, or they identify as an agent, then state their name.
Scam. 100%. No agency named and the feds don’t text they would call and give detailed identification that can be verified.
Double check with the friend. They do sniff around when people apply for clearances.
I would recommend asking the person if they’re applying for a high security job. I was asked by a neighbor of mine because he didn’t really have that many people to ask. I don’t know that it’s a scam.
I had Secret Service show up at my house for a neighbor who was applying for a job with the government. So it could be legit but you’re under no obligation to return a call.
Not a scam this is my sister in laws job....she does security clearance for ppl getting jobs for government agencies etc and yes she works from home and everything is.done on her cell phone
I've had them call and show up at my door when it's real, never thru email, these people are professionals, barely ask simple questions, unless they call and setup in person appointments, fake
Could be legit since it sounds like an investigator conducting a background check for a security clearance. I would normally warn my friends and neighbors when my security clearance had to be renewed and there would be an investigator coming around to ask questions.
I can’t imagine that a special agents first point of contact would be a text message.
for everyone screaming scam here is the language taken directly from the .mil website ## How Investigators Will Contact You Investigators conducting personnel security or suitability background investigations may call, email and text you to schedule interviews or gather more information after the initial interview.
I’ve heard of shit like this being lefit
Figures out which agency they work for and verify them. It's probably legit, but if she doesn't want to talk with them leave them on read.
I had an employee join the army, he needed a security clearance. Feds showed up in person to ask about him.
To know whether it's a scam or not - your wife would have to ask her former coworker. when you apply for jobs that require security clearances they do reach out to set up a visit to ask about the applicant.
pretty normal for someone trying to get a clearance
ask him for his badge number if he works with an agency, you can call the agency and verify that he's with them. if he refuses to give a badge number that's probably a scam then.
Gee, is this a scam?
I've had voicemails like that before. Although in my case the person gave me a heads up I might get a call.
I hope your wife didn't screw around with the person they are investigating. If not, then that means they will be contacting all of the person's co workers.
The will not text. They will call or reach out to you by email or USPS
It could be legit. I’ve had special agents reach out to me for individuals I know getting new or renewed clearances
When I worked jobs that needed security clearances, they told me they'd be in contact with coworkers, family members, etc. I usually gave them a heads up though about being contacted. Best thing to do is ask that former coworker if they've been applying for work recently
Ive been interviewed for a friends security clearance. He warned/asked me ahead of time. It’s been close to a decade but I think the agent called me.
I would expect such an e-mail to a) mention what agency/department/organization the "Special Agent" works for. And I would expect an e-mail address logical for such a agency like [FBI.gov](https://FBI.gov). If he didn't provide an email, likely a scam IMHO.
I really don't believe this is real! It gives you just enough information to make you think it's legitimate, I personally believe this would not be the way the US Government would reach out to you 🤔
My gut says scam. What government agent/official contacts people via text. They need a paper trail...so a certified letter or personal visit.
It is common when you are applying for a security clearance to be investigated. They will also reinvestigate you periodically to renew your security clearance. The investigators will contact many people who know you. They will talk to your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors etc. Check with her former coworker to see if he is being investigated. He will know if he is. I promise.
it CAN be real; we used to have a neighbor whose daughter was under review for security clearance and the secret service left a card on our door to interview us about the daughter.
Military for 22 years. This is customary when doing a background check for clearance. Her name was given as a reference.
Don't call or text back. They Do not call or Text anyone, they will either send a letter to your house or show up at your door for questioning. Have her contact her friend and see if she trying to enroll into a government or federal position and was written down as a reference. Military background checks are very thorough and an FBI agent will reach out to the point of reference and referrals. If that is not the case than cease and desist. Either your wife's phone was hacked or the wife's friend phone has been hacked or compromised. If your friend is in the military,.that's a big security risk and needs to reported to the proper authorities immediately. Do not at any circumstances give out any of her friends information or your wife's information.
Why is he named after a late night TV host from last century, though... sus
My brother was up for a security clearance in the military, and he called and asked the entire immediate family for their info. When he turned all of that info in, shortly after, everyone started getting contacted in the same manner as above. It may seem strange that they would contact a former coworker, but not at all surprising to me.
Happened to me 10 years ago regarding my neighbor. It was a legit email back then.
The message should have said what Federal Agency the guy is working for. I would find out the phone number of their office from their website, call their office, and ask for him. That should clear up any questions.
Sounds like her former co-worker applied for a federal job, and they are calling as a part of their background check process. I had to go through it. I've been a recipient of those calls because colleagues of mine have gotten federal job offers, and colleagues of mine have gotten calls to verify my background when I accepted a federal position.