Is it legitimate to get a phone call to do an interview on the phone for a security clearance?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 14:20:38 -0500

Question for anyone in S2 shops. I received a call from a "investigator" to re up my secret clearance, since it's been 10 years and I need a new one. Trying to see how legit it is to get a phone call to do a interview on the phone?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2018 2:22 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 14:22:36 -0500

I’ve only done one interview and it wasn’t over the phone. Doesn’t seem legit because OPM investigators have to show you their badge before interviewing if I’m not mistaken.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2018 2:46 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 14:46:24 -0500

Was an NBIB investigator prior for 3 years. There were recent changes where some items on cases can be interviewed by phone to expidite the case if there were no major issues. You can always request the investigator or agents badge number and name and call into NBIB to verify. Number should be available online on the NBIB website. It’s honestly quite common for people to think it’s a scam or fake as it’s not a common thing to go through.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2018 4:55 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 16:55:26 -0500

Your Periodic Reinvestigation does not start until after you fill out the online SF-86 on EQIP and the CAF opens your investigation.
If those steps have already happened, then you would have received a phone call about setting up an interview in person. The interview is in person so you can see their credentials, and so they can verify your ID.

Response by CPT Mike Sims made Dec 15 at 2018 11:03 PM

CPT Mike Sims — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 23:03:03 -0500

This is legit and it is a common practice - especially considering the backlog with security clearances and the lack of investigators to close out the background investigation process. I enlisted in the early 90's and commissioned in 99, and my last BI was in 2017 - and I have held Secret, TS, Q, TS-SCI clearances with various agencies and departments. In all that time, I would say I had 4 that were conducted over the telephone. If there is anything that needs to be clarified, they will usually do it in person, but a phone call is certainly legit.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Dec 16 at 2018 2:26 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 02:26:21 -0500

I've been contacted in person with Agents that had and showed their proper ID credentials that were doing back ground checks on others. I remember one that pulled into the driveway and My wife spotted him as soon as He got out of the car. She said to Me, Larry, there is a guy from the FBI in the driveway, turns out He was from DIS, Defense Investigative Service but the official looking unmarked car and suit attire gave Him away. right off. I've never been interviewed on the phone for Myself or anyone else, it was always in person but then My neighborhood is safe, I'm sure there may be neighborhoods that may concern the Agents. That may be a good place for a phone call instead.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2018 3:43 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 15:43:46 -0500

I met with an investigator that contacted me the same way. He already had my information when we met and was familiar with what my clearance was for. These calls are indeed legitimate. They were contracted through a company called Perspecta here in NC. He gave me some advice on the army since he was prior service himself.