How does this work? Like do they help them get all the paperwork done? Or like, do they create a fictitious history for them? Because I would imagine having any trace of their old identity with credit history etc could put them in danger if the people they testified against etc. happened to come across them.
In: 24
The U.S. Marshall service handles the Witness Security Program. It’s a separate branch of law enforcement from the regular police or FBI or whatever.
They can give someone a new identity because an identity is just a name on some government-authorized files. The Marshalls have the authority to go into those records and add identities (it’s doubtlessly a bit more complicated, but let’s not bore ourselves).
As for the credit history and everything, they really generally aren’t needed. The Marshalls, when necessary, provide financial aid for the people they protect. They’ll likely help them get a job (details are hazy on this, since they keep most of it a secret), but big things like cars or houses are often provided. There’s no need for loans, so no need for a credit score.
The info in my post comes from the Marshall’s website and an interview I once saw of a former protectee. It’s possible I got things wrong, since they keep as much of the process a secret as possible.
Latest Answers