Robert Kraus lost his job in 2006 after he says he raised red flags about questionable activities in the corporate and investment bank at Wachovia, now part of Wells Fargo. Since then, he says he has fallen behind on his mortgage because he hasn’t been able to find work in financial services.

“It’s impossible to support my family,” Kraus said in an interview. “I’m unable to find work in my field.”

Wells Fargo started foreclosure proceedings against Kraus and his wife, Julianne, in December, according to court documents. The Krauses are behind on payments on the $515,000 mortgage for their Waxhaw home. A hearing before the Union County Clerk of Superior Court is scheduled for June 9.

It’s not unusual for whistleblowers to fall on hard times, said Fred Alford, a professor of government at the University of Maryland who has written a book on whistleblowers. About half lose their…