Hi, I’ve searched around this site and google and have come across some info related to financial history and investigations for clearances. I’ve seen something about how an investigator could go pretty deep into an individual’s finances, but I’m wondering how deep and how often they would do that. Would there ever be a reason for an investigator to comb through bank and credit card statements? Or would they just make sure there were no sketchy major deposits or withdrawals from bank accounts? I’m sure it’s probably case dependent, but just wasn’t sure if they actually had access to individual bank/credit card statements.
I think it is like a cat playing with a wool sweater: at first it is just a loose thread but pretty soon it is a big mess. That is to say, if their initial inquiries turn up something out of place, they will probably keep digging.
I dont know about digging into individual accounts, but they may ask you to produce statements if need be, like to prove that a debt is paid off or you are no longer carrying a big balance.
Yes come on @lightfoot spill the juicy details let me guess … high end escort and you don’t want the wife to find out? Could be asked this line of questioning in a FS poly …
Interesting I was curious about finances once too because I have a vacation home and a seven figure nw… so figured it would raise all kinds of flags similar to CC debt/delinquencies. Aldrich Ames comes to mind why he did it and why he got caught. Anyway, spill it
How are investigators reviewing security clearance holders bank account statements with in the last 7 years when i cannot view my last bank account statements with in the last 7 years?
Most investigators are not reviewing anyone’s bank account statements. Depending on the requesting agency, we will review a combined credit report (from all three bureaus) for delinquencies/derogatory information. That is usually the “wool sweater” part that sbusquirrel referenced.
Each account is going to show us payments for several years, the balance and usually the minimum payment. Some agencies will request a financial statement…basically a monthly recap of what you spend money on…including mortgage/rent, groceries, utilities, insurance, debt payments, entertainment, etc. If you say you pay $1000 a month on your mortgage but your credit report shows a minimum payment of $3000 a month we are going to have a discussion. If you have a family of 4 and say you spend only $100 a month on groceries we are going to dig into that. There could be legitimate reasons for it.
Large deposits/withdrawals from bank accounts will pop a flag. (thanks to the Bank Secrecy Act/Patriot Act) and may be discussed.
If you dispute an account, ie “oh, I paid that account that is showing as being in collections” you will be asked to provide documentation of that payment.
let me guess … high end escort and you don’t want the wife to find out? Could be asked this line of questioning in a FS poly …