How To Catch A Spy

D.C. is the hub of spy activities in the U.S. because so many people have ties to the government and top secret clearances. But the work culture and suspicion also make it a hard place to maintain your cover.

Lindsay Moran, a D.C. native and former CIA agent, says “you can’t swing a dead cat in D.C. without hitting a spy,” so you should always have your guard up. Here are Lindsay’s tips on what to watch out for and how to know if someone is pumping you for intel:

1. They're hot, and you're not: Face it, if you’re a five and they're a 10, but they approach you at a bar, chances are they are trying to get information. Try to keep your ego in check.
2. They ask about your work … like a lot: If someone is asking detailed questions about where you work or what you do, especially if your job is sensitive in some way, this should be a red flag.
3. Look out for “bumps”: A bump is when someone approaches you with an obscure excuse for a conversation. For example, someone comes up and says they lost their earring and it sparks a conversation and friendship. It’s possible it’s serendipitous; they’re a spy.
4. Their job sounds boring: Most spies pretend to have lower-level bureaucratic jobs whose descriptions will put you to sleep.
5. Watch out for surveillance: If you see someone multiple times in multiple places, you might be being followed. Try taking left turns to sneak a look behind you, or walk in a roundabout way.

Lindsay’s got more tips on tomorrow’s episode of City Cast DC, so be sure to tune in!