I used a different middle initial a few years ago to get a credit card, I did pay the bills and eventually filed bankruptcy because of financial probs. But I was paying the bills from my checking account and fraud was not my intent. Should I tell this up front before my lifestyle poly

BLAZER3,

Did you use a different social security number, too? If not, I'm not sure how changing your middle initial alone would have helped you to get a credit card for which you might not otherwise have been eligible.

Even though you may not have intended to defraud the credit card company (in the sense of not paying the bills), to alter one's name in an attempt to hide one's credit history is indeed fraudulent, as Ray mentioned.

But you would be a fool to mention this to your polygrapher or to anyone else in the U.S. government. With your past bankruptcy, you will have a hard enough time as it is getting a security clearance. Admitting on top of that that you changed your middle initial to get a credit card will likely be the kiss of death. If you want to confess your sins, go find a priest.

Note that Ray, who so righteously rails against fraud, is himself a polygrapher. His whole profession is a fraud. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Be sure to read The Lie Behind the Lie Detector before your polygraph.