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Post by kimpossible on Jul 7, 2016 21:56:43 GMT
This is hypothetical.....(well, maybe)
If you or someone that you knew worked for a company in a high level position and was approached by a governmental agency to be questioned confidentially about a potential fraud matter would you ...
a.) Agree to meet with them because you knew that what they were investigating was true.
b.) Express your concern about your job (which is paid nicely and is close to home) and not wanting to risk losing it. Politely decline.
c.) Inform your upper level manager, owner or CEO that there was an investigation going on?
Let's say you or someone that you knew has a very high ethics and moral compass. Even if you decline, there may still be an investigation which may or may not result in you losing your job due to the business being impacted by the findings.
Note: at this point, it is not a subpoena, they are apparently looking to see if someone will "turn" and you (or someone you know) are the only one they have approached.
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freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927 
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Post by freebird on Jul 7, 2016 22:00:59 GMT
Is withholding evidence going to get me put in jail?
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Post by kimpossible on Jul 7, 2016 22:02:04 GMT
Not at this time - they seem to be only following up on a tip that may or may not be valid.
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Post by Merge on Jul 7, 2016 22:03:15 GMT
Is there any possibility of self-incrimination?
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Post by mirabelleswalker on Jul 7, 2016 22:04:57 GMT
There are protections for whistleblowers, so probably A.
If you choose B and they have some kind of evidence, you could be legally compelled in the future.
If you choose C, I would think you might be at higher risk of termination because you could be perceived as a threat.
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Post by kimpossible on Jul 7, 2016 22:05:15 GMT
No - this person's role does not have any part of what is being investigated. However, they may be aware of what was happening due to sitting in management meetings, getting management reports, etc.
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Post by kimpossible on Jul 7, 2016 22:06:43 GMT
There are protections for whistleblowers, so probably A. If you choose B and they have some kind of evidence, you could be legally compelled in the future. If you choose C, I would think you might be at higher risk of termination because you could be perceived as a threat. So very good point, especially about choice C. Question about whistleblowers - do you have to be the one to bring information to the government - or if they reach out to you and you disclose something, is the same protection offered? |
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Post by myshelly on Jul 7, 2016 22:08:25 GMT
I need a
Decline because I do not talk to governmental agencies without my own legal representation
option.
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Post by anxiousmom on Jul 7, 2016 22:12:38 GMT
I need a Decline because I do not talk to governmental agencies without my own legal representation option. Pretty sure that would be my response too. Seems way to important to go into without knowing the repercussions and options. |
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Post by christine58 on Jul 7, 2016 22:16:52 GMT
D. Call a lawyer and not speak with them without that lawyer
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~Lauren~
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,876
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Post by ~Lauren~ on Jul 7, 2016 22:17:19 GMT
I would quote Col. Klink from Hogan's Heros "I know nothing!"
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Post by kimpossible on Jul 7, 2016 22:18:09 GMT
Ha ha - good advice on the lawyer being present.
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Post by nicole2112 on Jul 7, 2016 22:19:05 GMT
My name is Bennett and I ain't in it!
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LeaP
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,939
Location: Los Angeles, CA where 405 meets 101
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Post by LeaP on Jul 7, 2016 22:21:01 GMT
I would pick "D" too.
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Post by secondlife on Jul 7, 2016 22:22:34 GMT
Yep, lawyer time.
I wouldn't speak to anyone until I had a lawyer present. Not the company, not the investigators, nobody. I would want to know who I can legally speak to, what I legally can and can't say, and so on.
I wouldn't decline to speak altogether or lie if I had answers to their questions. I wouldn't want to obstruct an investigation or break confidentiality if it applies.
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Post by papersilly on Jul 7, 2016 22:23:53 GMT
refer them to my boss
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johnnysmom
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,682
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Jul 7, 2016 22:30:37 GMT
I'm pretty sure the jobs I've had in the past had, as part of their policies, that employees were not to talk to anyone and if requested to do so we were to notify upper management. Now if I'd actually do that would depend on the exact situation.
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Post by mom on Jul 7, 2016 22:37:46 GMT
I would consult an attorney, then meet with them.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 5:03:23 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2016 22:45:55 GMT
Btdt.
Lawyer up.
Person may not directly involved but could be thrown under the bus if push comes to shove.
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Post by meridon on Jul 7, 2016 23:05:30 GMT
Oh yikes! I'm in a union, so I'd be calling my union rep ASAP to set up a meeting with their counsel. This sounds like a really tough situation to be in.
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Post by kimpossible on Jul 7, 2016 23:08:23 GMT
Oh yikes! I'm in a union, so I'd be calling my union rep ASAP to set up a meeting with their counsel. This sounds like a really tough situation to be in. Good point Meridon! This situation does not involve a union so no resources there. |
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jul 8, 2016 10:35:19 GMT
I agree with all those who've said to consult a lawyer. Protect yourself first & foremost.
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Post by jenjie on Jul 8, 2016 11:03:57 GMT
My immediate thought was also get a lawyer. "You" need to know what you are being asked, how the law says you need to handle it (is this required or are they just casting a line to see if there are any fish), what the ramifications are whether you talk or not... Probably more than that.
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My original pea date was November 1999 and my number was 1803
