30+ Things The FBI Don’t Want You To Know

1. The 'Most Wanted' List Is Chosen Based On Looks

Image Source/ DailyFeed

This one's surprising. The FBI's notorious Most Wanted list, established in 1950, releases the identity of criminals wanted for heinous crimes. However, the criteria for making the list is not what you'd expect. It's a little difficult when a good mentality should be 'never judge a book by its cover'... An ugly or odd-looking fugitive has a much better chance of making the list than a more normal looking criminal.

2. They've Got Your Fingerprints...

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You might think that the only way the FBI have your fingerprints is if you've been arrested... you're wrong. If you've had your prints taken while getting your driver's license or buying a gun, the likelihood is that they now reside in Clarksburg on the FBI's Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System.

3. They Actually Spent Time Tracking Bigfoot

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If you want to check this one out yourself, you can using the FBI's Vault. Apparently there's actually a file on Bigfoot, which leads us to believe that he may have been an actual figure, rather than fictional. Given that information is only disclosed post-death, it must count for something.

4. You Can Read High Profile FBI Files!

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You can thank the Freedom of Information act for this one. Through accessing The Vault you will have access to more than 6,700 documents which contain details of FBI investigations into some of the most famous celebrities including Marilyn Monroe and Steve Jobs. You can even request your own!

5. Walt Disney Was A Secret Informant For The FBI

Image Source/ Far Out Magazine

The New York Times reported that Walt Disney was an informant for the FBI for quite some time. Over twenty years, Disney reported many of his Hollywood counterparts for "un-American activities", which were essentially people he suspected of being communists.

6. Ronald Raegan Also Had A Secret Alliance With The FBI

Image Source/ The Vineyard Gazette

Ronald Raegan joins Disney in the list of FBI informants. While president of the Screen Actors Guild in 1947, he became more commonly known to the FBI as "Source T-10", or just T-10, the agent who reported on actors he believed to be Communist sympathisers.

7. They Spent 10 Years Looking For Dorothy's Slippers

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After Judy Garland's ruby slippers she wore during the filming of The Wizard of Oz were stolen in 2005, the FBI decided they should proceed with a decade-long investigation into their theft. Well, it worked as after they performed a sting operation they finally found the missing slippers.

8. You Can Work For The FBI AND Take Drugs

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You would've thought that this one was a dealbreaker, but it's actually not. A past history of recreational drug use doesn't disqualify you from a job at the FBI, but will if it's recent. You'll have to detox from pot at least three years before your application, and for any other drugs it's ten.

9. John Lennon Was Once A Person Of Interest

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Not everyone knows about John Lennon's arousal of FBI investigators back in the 70s. As it turns out, he was actually placed under surveillance by the FBI. The reason? He was writing a lot of anti-war songs during the time, including Give Peace a Chance, hardly seems a proper explanation!

10. And He Wasn't The Only Celeb To Be Placed Under Surveillance

Image Source / Town & Country MagazineIt wasn't only John Lennon, either - the FBI have maintained surveillance on files on famous names like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra and Charlie Chaplin. All reasons vary, but some for example, like Charlie Chaplin, were for alleged links to the Communist party.

11. The FBI Have Erected Fake Cell Phone Towers To Steal Your Data

Image Source/ Business Insider

The FBI created a secretive new device known as Stingray. Posing as fake cell phone towers, they lock onto devices within a specific area and harvest data. It's been coined as an "unconstitutional, all you can eat data buffet." The FBI have done all that they can in keeping this technology a secret.

12. The FBI Will Track Your Location Without A Warrant

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During U.S. v Jones, the US actually lost the case in the Supreme Court following the retrieval of cell phone data without a warrant. It's told that in 2011, the FBI requested cell phone date that included suspects' locations around 1.3 million times.

13. FBI Case Files Were Paper Based Until 2012

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You'd expect that the FBI would utilise a sophisticated and complex array of technology to help them in their criminal endeavours. Well, actually, they remained paper based all the way up to 2012. After a failed $425 million electronic system was introduced in 2009, they eventually got it to work in 2012 ($26 million later).

14. They're Aware Of Highly Trained Iranian Military Dolphins

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The FBI, and other government-led institutions, have kept a close eye on the military dolphins Iran acquired in 2000. The dolphins were trained in Russia and nobody knows if they're alive or not given this was twenty years ago. Apparently, they were trained to attack enemy ships by the Soviet Union.

15. But It's Thought They Were Moved To A Dolphinarium

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After originally being trained by the Soviet Union, the project funding eventually ran out, and after this time they were said to be taken care of by their former trainer. He then moved them to a dolphinarium, but apparently had to sell them when he ran out of food for them.

16. The Pentagon Has A UFO Program

Image Source/ Wikipedia

While not directly associated with the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program, information is often passed between these types of institutions and the FBI. Although it stopped receiving funding in 2012, it's widely believed that the program lives on.

17. UFO Videos Weren't Meant To Be Released

Image Source/ GeekWire

The US government have openly spoken about how at least three videos reporting UFO activity weren't meant to be seen by the public. Seems like a pretty big breach! Given that the FBI has an interest in national security, there's no doubt they were affected by the leaks.

18. UFO Reports Swept America In 1947

Image Source / ScienceMore than one sighting of unexplained flying objects swept through America in 1947. The FBI received many reports, alongside the U.S. Air Force that was leading investigations into the sightings. The Air Force had been newly formed at this time.

19. The FBI Don't Trust Banking Apps

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While most credit cards have fraud protection, your checking and savings account don't have as much. Because of this, some FBI workers are actually deterred away from using banking apps on their phone, due to their susceptibility of being infected with malware.

20. They Spent An Entire Year Investigating One Song

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The song Louie Louie was written in 1955 by Richard Berry and later made popular by band The Kingsmen. You may recognise it from American Graffiti. Well, it actually aroused an FBI investigation during the 1960s to determine whether the lyrics were dirty and pornographic. The conclusion: the lyrics are unintelligible.

21. What's The Story Behind Louie Louie?

Image Source / MediumThe song and tune is an example of Afro-Cuban influence on popular American music. The tune is an homage to El Loco Cha Cha. The song Louie Louie is actually a story-based song that tells of a Jamaican sailor - in first person viewpoint - coming back to the island to see his lover.

22. They Don't Get Along With The CIA Following 9/11

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Given their interest in national security, you would think that both institutions would work collaboratively together, but this isn't always the case. One of the FBI's lead counterterrorism agents says that they still don't know what happened with the 9/11 attacks, over twenty years ago.

23. What's The Difference Between The FBI And The CIA?

Image Source / BBCThe FBI operates under the US Department of Justice, and mainly operates within the USA. It gathers intelligences as well as deals with federal crimes. The CIA, on the other hand, largely operates outside of the US, gathering intelligence through spies and also operating as an independent agency.

24. They Wasted 3 Years Investigating Extra-Sensory Perception

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ESP, or extra-sensory perception, is described as a perception of information beyond the scope of our five senses and knowledge. They were concerned that ESP could be used in the event of international spying, but eventually concluded (after a lot of money) that there wasn't scientific support for their concerns.

25. They Know When You're Lying

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Despite it not being enough to convict you, the FBI are exceptionally good at spotting liars. This is without the use of a lie detector machine, but comes more down to analysing your speech and body language while in an interview with investigators.

26. But Not When Their Own Are Lying...

Image Source/ The New York Times

Not every way to detect lies is fool proof. As it turns out, their own field agent Terry Albury betrayed the FBI for a number of years. He spilled secrets to The Intercept, which describes itself as adversarial journalism. Despite his defence that he was trying to do the right thing, he landed himself in jail for putting the country at risk.

27. Terry Albury Had Been Working With The FBI For 17 Years

Image Source / Everett HeraldTerry's lies would be even more surprising when you learn he had a decent 17 year career! He was apparently the only black agent in the Minneapolis field office, and after leaking information, he pled guilty to his crimes and was sentenced to four years in prison.

28. The CIA Rival The FBI With Their Technological Advancements...

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While the CIA and FBI don't work hand-in-hand, they often rival each other with their funding and technological advancements. Sounding like something taken directly from a James Bond film, the CIA have actually created a drone-like dragonfly coined the "insectothopter."

29. Their Rivals Have A Top Secret Robotic Catfish

Image Source/ IEEE Spectrum

It doesn't just stop at dragonflies, there's actually a top-secret robotic catfish that the CIA have created, named Charlie. While it was created in the 90s to see if there was potential to build an underwater vehicle, it's unclear to know if the experiment succeeded.

30. They Don't Escape The Law

Image Source/ New York Post

Despite what some agents may believe, they're exactly like the rest of the American public, and this means that they're not above the law. Following a series of job terminations, it was revealed regarding what some FBI agents had been up to abroad.

31. FBI Agents Had Been Cavorting With Prostitutes

Image Source / Criminal Justice Degree SchoolsNamely, what some FBI agents had been up to, was cavorting with prostitutes whilst spending time abroad. It was described as an '“avoidable embarrassment (not only to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but to the U.S. government)” by Clearance Jobs.

32. They Ask That You Lie To Kiosk Workers

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We all know that tiresome moment when kiosk workers ask for your entire life story when you just want to make a purchase, like your email address, name, address - and all for people behind in the queue to hear, which is great. Well, the FBI have a different idea...

33. Their Reasoning Behind Asking You To Lie

Image Source / The New York Times

When checkout kiosk workers ask for your information, like your post code or phone number, the FBI have actually advised that you lie to them. While it might seem quite dramatic, the data becomes aggregated and means that the institution can find out a lot more about you. Well, sounds like just what they do!

34. They're Pros At Negotiations

Image Source/ New York Times

A former FBI negotiator actually disclosed a number one secret when it comes to negotiating your way through a deal. Chris Voss told CNBC that there's power in patience. He explained that you have to let them talk first just to make them feel in control of the situation.

35. Chris Voss Actually Revealed An Official Masterclass For These Tips

Image Source / The Daily Iowan

Other tips from the former FBI hostage negotiator include being genuinely interested in what the other party is looking for, negotiate on good faith, always take emotions into account, concentrate on empathy with a tactical edge and work to deactivate any negative feelings.

36.The FBI Have A Hazardous Devices School

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To keep up with the rise of improvised explosive devices in the US, the FBI implemented the Hazardous Devices School in order to train bomb squad officers. Based in a remote area of Alabama, it's actually close by to another facility, the Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center.

37. The FBI Need You To Change Your Passwords Every Month

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The FBI have outwardly spoken in the past about their distrust of weak passwords, often advising to change your password at least once every month. While this may seem excessive, it would make sense that the FBI would know exactly how easy it is to hack into someone's account...

38. Although You'd Think They'd Want The Opposite

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Then again, part of you would think they'd love a weak password if it means they can get data and into information that much easier. The FBI actually advising on safe security protocols and tougher passwords seems a bit contradictory - but maybe they're just looking out for the common good!

39. They Advise You To Not Show Your Driving License

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Unless it's absolutely necessary, the FBI warn against showing people your driver's license. If you're asked for ID at an appointment or meeting, make sure to show something with less information on, like your office building badge. This way, they can't read your birthday and address.

40. This Is Tricky If They Need Your Age Though

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This might seem odd for a lot of people, though, when a lot of the time the reason you're asked to show your ID is because they want to check your date of birth - you know, for getting into a club or buying alcohol, for example. And a driver's licence always seemed safer than a passport, too!

41. They Advise You To Have At Least Two Email Addresses

Image Source/ Reader's Digest

When signing up to a new site, you know how bad their junk mail can be. Well, an FBI employee has suggested that you create one email for all your junk email uses, and another email for professional uses. This way, you're less likely to get hacked if the companies do.

42. It Might Not Stop All Junk Though

Image Source / Email Overload Solutions

This is a great tip to use, but as we all know, junk mail just seems to find you no matter what. Even from sites you never signed up for, or places you never gave your email address too. Plus there's extra security to think about with two email accounts rather than one, like protecting both passwords. But it's a good tip to try (especially FBI approved!).

43. They installed Over 7,000 National Security Surveillances

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The FBI's surveillance practices don't just include wanted criminals or persons of interest - they include domestic surveillance, too. In 1985, there was a wiretapping and civil liberties report, where Congress found that over 7,000 national security surveillances had been installed - including on American citizens - between 1940 and 1960.

44. They Weren't Against Impersonating The Press

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An agent for the FBI impersonated an Associated Press journalist back in 2007. He then infected the computer of a suspect, and the AP then demanded the FBI don't ever impersonate a member of the news media again. The court ruled in favour of the news outlet against the FBI.

45. Where the FBI might turn up

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The FBI may knock on the door of your home, your workplace, or at a relative, neighbor or friend's house. They could even approach you on the street. In any of these places, you must protect your legal rights and minimize any embarrassment or publicity.

46. If the FBI turn up at your door!

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An FBI visit is intimidating to say the least!  The first thing to do is to ask them to confirm the identities of them.  You are within your rights to do so.  Always ask to see their credentials as well as their business cards.  This is to ensure you have a record of who paid you a visit.

47. Check if they have a warrant

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If they have a search warrant, then you have an obligation by law to permit them to search within the parameters of that particular warrant. You shouldn't interfere with the search because doing so may result in you being charged with obstruction of justice or a similar charge.

48. What if they don't have a warrant

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If they don't have a warrant and ask to enter or search the home, you have a right to refuse them entry. Voluntarily allowing officers into your home when they don't have the relevant warrant could increase your exposure for criminal charges or investigation if they see anything untoward.

49. Don't speak to an agent until your attorney is present

 

Image source: Insider

You have a right to refuse to speak with them until you are with your attorney. The only thing you should say to the agents is that you want to speak to a lawyer.  You can repeat this as many times as you want but don't utter anything else - it could be incriminating.

50. Stay as calm as you can

Image source: The Sun

Do not be rude, disrespectful or aggressive to the officers.  Try and maintain your cool while interacting with law enforcement even if it's difficult for you to do so.  The agents are only doing their jobs.  Keep your hands visible and don't make any sudden movements which could escalate into a misunderstanding.

51. Besides the FBI, the CIA have their work cut out! - They read up to 5 million tweets a day

Image source: New York Post

The agency could be monitoring your Facebook feed, too, according to an "Associated Press" report. Agents apparently like to stay up to date on the public’s reactions to what's going on in world events. Other surveillance methods include iPhones, Androids, TV's and computers running Windows, Linux and macOS.

52. They have a secret museum and no one is allowed inside!

Image source: Reddit

Located at the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, stands an 11,000 square foot museum which houses fascinating (failed) projects such as dragonfly drones, pigeon-mounted cameras and robotic fish.  The catch is that only agency members and cleared guests are allowed inside.

53. You can read about the CIA’s UFO investigations online

Image source: CNN

Any individual with an Internet connection can access CREST, a CIA reading room of almost a million documents.  Many of them shed light on the agency’s investigations into UFOs, invisible ink and psychics.  If you want to dig the dirt the CIA has on you, you can even request your own file!

54. The Starbucks at CIA headquarters is not allowed to use names for orders

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Security is so tight at the Starbucks located inside CIA headquarters in Virginia (named Starbucks Number 1).  Having their name called out in a large, crowded room doesn’t bode well with these secretive customers, so the baristas have to pair each order with their face, instead.

55. Even their statues are shrouded in mystery

Image source: Reddit

In the 1990s, an encrypted sculpture called “Kryptos” was installed on the grounds of the CIA headquarters.  Three decades later and no one has fully cracked the code. While some progress has been made, particularly with the first three sections, the fourth and final section remains unsolved.

56. They have weird torture methods!

Image source: Reddit

The agency has apparently used music by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Slim Shady as  official tools for torturing suspected terrorists. CIA secret agents obviously have a sense of humor!  This practice is controversial and has been criticized by human rights organizations and advocates.

57. They produce movies secretly on the side

Image source: Reddit

While a government-funded romantic comedy sounds like a possible box office hit, the truth is more sinister. The CIA secretly bought the rights to 1984 by author George Orwell, after his death in 1950 and they funded the movie adaptation of this novel.

58. Operation Mongoose

Image source: NBC News

The CIA made many attempts to assassinate the leader of Cuba, Fidel Castro. Their botched attempts included poison milkshakes, exploding cigars and even a mafia hit.  It is important to understand that the use of assassination as a tool of state policy is totally illegal under U.S. and international law.

59. Operation Acoustic Kitty

Image source: The Guardian

The CIA wanted information on the Soviets, so they used hearing-augmented cats to eavesdrop on them.  Cats being cats though, became distracted easily so the project was scrapped!  There is limited concrete information about the extent to which the project progressed

60. Air America

Image source: Reddit

When Air America was introduced as the U.S.’s newest commercial airline, people rushed to book a flight. It actually wasn’t a commercial airline but was a front for the CIA’s covert mission in Indochina.  It smuggled weapons, soldiers, and drugs at the time of the Vietnam War.

61. Lost without a trace

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In the 1950s, the CIA wanted to win the rebellion in North Korea, so they sent scores of their agents into the country. They were airdropped, and none of them were ever heard from again.  Professional sceptics are of  the opinion that this partially untrue.

62. Missile Testing Device

Image source: ABC News

At the height of the Cold War, CIA officials built a missile testing device close to the Nanda Devi mountains in India. They wanted to be able to monitor the Chinese missiles. Unfortunately, they lost it. The agency closed the mountain for 9 years to find the device, without success.

63. They bribed a chieftain with viagra!

Image source: NBC News

The CIA needed important information from an Afghan Chieftain who was impotent. They offered him tons of Viagra pills in exchange for information.  The deal was done - it was a success for both parties! - and the CIA got their answers.

64. A demoralizing trick

Image source: The Guardian

During the Cold War, the CIA wanted to demoralize the Soviet men.  In order to do this, they placed oversized American condoms around Russia and changed the label to read, “medium.”  The specific details of such operations do vary and many stories circulated during that time were exaggerated.

65. Area 51 - does it exist?

Image source: ABC News

After years of speculation and conspiracy theories, the CIA finally confirmed the existence in 2013 of of Area 51. They claimed it was a testing site for top secret aerial surveillance programs but the y are not fully believed - the jury is still out on that one.

66. They studied LSD

Image source: Reddit

The CIA studied LSD in the 1960s. To test subjects without their knowledge, they had magician John Mulholland teach their agents how to spike the drinks with a quick hand motion.  The CIA became interested in LSD due to its potential applications in mind control and interrogation techniques.

67. Double dealings or double agents

Image source: Reddit

Technical engineer, William Kampiles stole a highly top secret spy manual to sell on to the Russians.  In an attempt to make things right, at all he told the CIA that he would become a double agent. They weren’t interested and he was tried and sentenced to 40 years in jail.

68. George Orwell's "Animal Farm" played a part

Image source: Reddit

After George Orwell died in 1950, the CIA bought the rights to his novel, Animal Farm. They adapted it into a film, the communist characters portrayed as pigs. The movie adaptation was a British production based on Orwell's novel, and its themes and characters reflect the author's own criticisms of totalitarianism and authoritarianism.

69. Leaving a paper trail

Image source: NBC News

Two CIA operative really messed things up back in 2003. They were posing as business executives in Italy and used their frequent flyer cards with their actual identities at every hotel and restaurant they visited.  This led the Italian authorities right to their door.

70. Solve the riddle

Image source: Rooster Teeth

At the CIA headquarters in Virginia, there is a statue of 4 faces, and each has an encrypted riddle. After almost 30 years, every riddle has been solved except for one. While the CIA headquarters may contain various artifacts, sculptures, and symbols, it's thought to be unlikely that specific details about their design and purpose would be disclosed.,

71. Operation paperclip

Image source: Reddit

The crimes committed by the Nazi scientists during World War II were inhumane, to say the least, absolutely barbaric.  This didn’t stop the CIA from bringing scientists back to America in the hope of using them to create their own unique brand of brainwashing techniques called Operation Paperclip.

72. How to become part of the CIA team - Meet the basic requirements

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To be eligible for employment with the CIA, candidates must be U.S. citizens and typically have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The CIA may also require certain professional or educational backgrounds depending on the specific role or position.

73. Gain relevant experience

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While not always mandatory, having some relevant work experience in fields such as intelligence, analysis, foreign languages, cybersecurity, law enforcement, military service, and/or international relations can enhance your candidacy and competitiveness.

74. Apply for positions

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The CIA posts job openings and opportunities on its official website and other recruitment platforms. Interested individuals can browse available positions and submit applications online. The application process may involve submitting a resume, cover letter, and other required documents.

75. Undergo screening and security clearance

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Candidates selected for further consideration undergo a comprehensive background investigation, security clearance process, and polygraph examination. The CIA evaluates candidates' integrity, reliability, loyalty, and suitability for handling sensitive information and performing national security duties.

76. Complete assessments and interviews

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Qualified candidates may be invited to participate in assessments, interviews, and evaluations designed to assess their skills, knowledge, aptitude, and suitability for specific roles within the CIA. These assessments may include written tests, oral interviews, psychological evaluations, and situational exercises.

77. Attend training

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Once selected, candidates undergo extensive training at the CIA's training facilities, including the CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia, and other specialized locations. Training programs cover a wide range of topics, including intelligence tradecraft, analysis, operations, security, and specialized skills relevant to assigned roles.

78. Maintain a strong ethical compass

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Integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct are essential qualities for individuals working in national security and intelligence. CIA officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, adhere to legal and ethical guidelines, and demonstrate sound judgment and discretion in their actions and decision-making.

79. Continuously develop skills and knowledge

Image source: The New York Post

The field of intelligence and national security is dynamic and constantly evolving. CIA officers are encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities, acquire new skills, and stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and threats relevant to their areas of expertise.

80. Begin your career

Image source: Britannica

Upon successfully completing training and meeting all requirements, new CIA officers begin their careers and are assigned to specific positions, departments, or operational units within the agency. CIA officers may serve in various capacities, including intelligence analysis, operations, technology, cybersecurity, foreign language support, and more.