Notice from United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM)?? (dorm, college)

[kutra11]

There was a notice stuck on my door from the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Federal Investigative Services dept, saying they wanted to talk wih me regarding some individual (no name provided) that is being considered for a position of trust with the US Govt. They want my comments regarding this infividual's fitness and suitability!! The notice has the name of an investigator along with a phone number.

No one I know has informed me that he/she has given my reference for a job position with the OPM. I am most certainly not going to call the number and talk to the OPM investigator. Isn't it strange that the OPM would go knocking on people's door rather than make a phone call, and then set up an appointment? Is this a scam?

Has this happened to anyone here in NoVA?

[sullyguy]

Probably investigating a neighbor; investigators will survey a subset to see what's what.

No biggee.

[reebo]

Yes, I did this for a neighbor. No big deal, I'm not even sure he submitted my name for a reference. I the govt picks a sample.

[apexgds]

Originally Posted by kutra11

No one I know has informed me that he/she has given my reference for a job position with the OPM. I am most certainly not going to call the number and talk to the OPM investigator. Isn't it strange that the OPM would go knocking on people's door rather than make a phone call, and then set up an appointment? Is this a scam?

Has this happened to anyone here in NoVA?

Not strange at all. Quite standard. While I was in college, I applied to a government position in NoVA that involved a level of security clearance. They came to my dorm (in another state) and interviewed my Residence Director, my hall RA, and a few hall mates. None of them were listed as references. It made for some interesting gossip around campus.

[kutra11]

Got it. Thanks for your replies.

[scottfs]

OPM investigates backgrounds for many government agencies besides itself. Some of which a friend or family member might not at liberty to even disclose they were working for. I've spoken with them about neighbors before.

[ChristineVA]

It will be for a neighbor. I had this done also for my next door neighbor. They left a sticky and I had to call the agent. It's really no big deal, took about 10 minutes.

They will basically just want to know how well you know the person and, even if you don't know them at all, they may ask if you've ever noticed an disturbances or anything unusual at the residence.

[mdcrim]

Definitely a neighbor up for a clearance or renewal. It's a painless process but PLEASE at least call the investigator back, even if it's to tell them you don't want to be interviewed. They are required to interview a certain number of people and if people don't respond they may have to make multiple attempts out there.

[acgood]

Ditto to what others have said about this being for a clearance of a neighbor. If a friend puts your name down to verify their address or vouch for them, you'll just get an envelope in the mail with a quick form to return...

[Grsz11]

Had one knock on my door about my upstairs neighbor. I just told him I have never talked to the guy.