Tim, this is indeed legitimate and not unusual.
Nearly every time I leave the country I am contacted by the same agency. They typically ask me certain direct questions and want to solicit my cooperation in future trips to whatever country.
When I travel, it virtually always is to consult with a foreign military in whatever country, and obviously these are the groups on which the CIA would like to gather intel.
CIA must get info from Customs to know where I traveled, because some of the places I do not get a visa, and Customs would be the only practical way to know where I was going.
Interestingly enough, the CIA has offered to fund my trips to two countries if I would agree to try to make contact with certain individuals in the governments there and try to obtain certain information.
So your man probably is telling the straight story.
On another note, if it is possible to make a note, please do not send HTML encoded messages. Usually I delete them unread.
Tks ....... Steve
Hi Tim,
I suggest a double-blind test to confirm the authenticity of the caller.
Since this individual has already called the "local" numbers supplied I suggest that he/she now take another direct approach - call the Public Affairs Office at (703) 482-0623 (I found this number on their web site).
If both approaches yield the same results/answers then it would be legitimate. If not, then call the FBI and report it.
Regards,
Mike
It most likely is a legitimate contact. Ask to see the indivual's "contact ID" when you have the meeting. If you still have concerns, ask who can vouch for him/her --- often the local FCI (foreign counterintelligence) rep of the FBI will be able to provide this.
Papa
Tim,
I would caution whomever received the call to ensure that their attorney is made fully aware of the call and sits in on any additional communications.
Been there, done that and know the game.
Mac
Tim,
The Agency does have a program that works as described in this inquiry. The only problem comes in validating the contact if one has not been involved with them before. Our contact has a relationship with the local FBI office which could be used to validate the person's affiliation. If the company decides to cooperate is purely up to them. There are pitfalls. Appreciate your confidence.
Tim:
It's a new world out here. Tell your inquirer to invite the man over and listen to him talk. Surely authenticity is somthing the legitimate representative would be prepared to answer. Provide no initial data only questions. Inquire as to what they want to know and the details.
Follwo up on the authenticity check. Carefully examine the credentials presented. Yes genuine representatives have genuine credentials and arn't afraid to show them.
If your client feels the questions information asked is suspect. Contact the local FBI and invite an Agent to sit in on the meeting. Cooperation and cross checks never hurt anyone. Besides the Federal agent may have available a listing o CIA representatives in the area and could verify the representative to you. In addition impersonating an agent of the Government is a Federal crime that the FBI rep could have an interest in. I'd get someone in the nearest city's FBI CI shop involved ASAP.
There's my two cents worth.
Ed
Tim: FYI, the Agency does contact various U.S. companies in this fashion. If you like, you can have the requester contact me via e-mail or telephone and I can provide additional info which I just as soon not broadcast to everyone. Or I can call him if he'd prefer doing it that way - just need a tel # or e-mail addy. Take care - lets get together some time for coffee, etc. Regards, Al
(If you need to contac t Al, let me know and I'll provide his telephone number and/or e-mail address. Tim)
| OFFICE MEMO | Subject: Re the CIA caller | Time:11 05 Date:06/11/98 |
Gonna ascribe this comment to yet another Bob?
Tim said: Yup, I shorely am, Bob. :>)