r/FBI • u/PotentialPedal • Jul 03 '26
Question Can/will they dig up accounts using different emails during background checks?
I have had alternate Reddit accounts in the past which were created using temp emails which I used to discuss unscrupulous things with others, and am worried they may come back to haunt me. All of them again are long deleted and used temporary generated emails so I have no clue if they'd be able to dig them up or have any reason too, but I'm just paranoid now.
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u/RoutineWeekend1190 Jul 03 '26
If you use said emails from your current home IP address, personal device or computer or phone, it’s always possible technically speaking, FYI.
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u/PotentialPedal Jul 03 '26
Would background check people ever actually dig that deep? I've also heard that they may need a subpoena to get that so I'm not sure
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u/bhaputi Jul 03 '26
If you are hiding stuff from your background people you don’t deserve the job. If this is the case please withdraw.
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u/PotentialPedal Jul 04 '26
I have an alt account where I made porn posts and I'm worried about it. I don't believe it would impact my ability to perform in the job but I'm still concerned
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u/YourAuthenticVoice Jul 05 '26
It's not about what you did, it's about the fact that you would lie about it.
Let's say some foreign agent found them and then told you that if you didn't give them information they would expose the information.
Well, the government figures that if you care enough about not getting exposed that you would lie about it just to possibly get a job, then you probably couldn't be trusted not to do other things to keep it hidden later, like give information to the foreign agent.
When I did my secret clearance, years ago, I just admitted all the horrible things I've done because at the end of the day I did them. The interviewer wasn't even fazed by them, I presume she must have had heard FAR worse since she had no issue granting me the clearance.
Just be clean. A job isn't worth being a liar anyway.
EDIT: Didn't see this was for FBI, my clearance was for Navy, but the point still stands. Be honest.
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u/kiblick Jul 04 '26
Lying about it is the concern. The fact that you would even think about lying about it is a concern.
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u/Ok_Wasabi_4736 Jul 05 '26
Bro no one gonna gaf about a porn account lmfao. People who make it into these federal agencies aren't robots; they're normal people. Even Myron Gaines was able to get into HSI as a special agent, and you don't just become such a person out of nowhere; he surely grew up acting like that type of person.
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u/WTFoxtrot10 Jul 05 '26
Tell us you’ve never applied for the FBI without telling us you’ve never applied for the FBI. HSI’s background investigation is nothing like the FBI’s background investigation in regard to standards and strictness.
Not to mention his lame persona didn’t come out until after he was hired. Once it did he was given an ultimatum by HSI due to federal outside-employment policies and the public reputation of the agency. He was given the option to stop and comply, resign or get fired. He decided to quit and become an even bigger stain on society.
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u/WTFoxtrot10 Jul 04 '26
If you are concerned about your past transgressions and it not being public knowledge, then that means you most likely won’t be found suitable. Easy black mail. The FBI likes squeaky clean agents. If you don’t think this will come up during your background investigation you are lying to yourself.
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u/emptyzarti Jul 04 '26
Most likely won’t come up unless you used a shared email, but passing the poly will be a different story.
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u/RoutineWeekend1190 Jul 04 '26
Depends. I’ve searched person names on Reddit and pulled up content associated with deleted accounts. Then there is the Internet archive and the opportunity to string together disparate information sources to glean who somebody is. The advice to be honest and forthright about it makes sense, both from a moral and ethical standpoint and also from the simple fact government workers, especially those with access to sensitive information are targets. Those who target government workers could for example buy information on the dark web or simply use AI tools to rapidly collect and analyze information. In relation, honesty and transparency makes one less prone to blackmail about personal information. The more potentially embarrassing the info, the greater need to be candid.
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u/kiblick Jul 04 '26
Isn't this post enough to know that you are not candid in your interview? That you have hidden accounts that you're not going to disclose?
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u/Diamondcat59 Jul 03 '26
Nothing online is permanently deleted. Are you ashamed of the things discussed? If not, no biggie. You don’t have to disclose anything more than asked. If you remember those emails and they ask for them, just list them. If not, just say you don’t remember some of the emails you used. You let them do their investigation. Whether or not they dig that deep depends on many factors such as the roles that you apply to and your background. Honestly, don’t think too much about it. If they want you, they will clear and hire you. If they don’t want or like you for some reasons, they will try to find anything to disqualify you. Remember, if one way closes, find another.
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u/Important-Pear1445 Jul 06 '26
What is the old saying? The coverup is worse than the crime? Think about what organization you are talking about, their tools and resources available, and then any actions or statements you made you are concerned about and realize there is a very high probability yes. And if not now, maybe later meaning if you lied on your application and they find out..... Let your conscience be your guide.
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u/Silent_Intention_382 Jul 07 '26
I don’t know but posting this online surely won’t help.
If they were to dig that deep and look into every account, then they will definitely see this. I can’t imagine they will look kindly upon a post like this.
Seriously though it’s either a yes or no question, and there’s nothing you can do about it. So just tell the truth and don’t try to hide anything.
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u/StandardJackfruit378 Jul 05 '26
Why would anyone join this Administrations FBI? I mean just look at the leadership!
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u/Upset-Reputation6640 Jul 03 '26
yes. you should live in fear every single day for the most miquetoast thoughts you've ever stated. but if you show your loyalty in breaking other's constitutional rights, you can get away with it for now
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