Should I be concerned for my coworker?

[Mr Hero]

I can't shake off the creepy vibe I get, but my coworker seems oblivious to possible red flags. She told me about a call she got earlier in the evening before I came in to relieve her.

The caller identifies himself as Steve. He says that he was especially impressed with coworker's customer service skills when he stayed with us. He's offering her a job interview with an address provided. The only thing he says is that she would be working with people.

I think the guy is bullshitting, that he didn't really stay with us. But my coworker is convinced it's legit. No amount of voicing my concerns seems to have any effect on her. How involved should I be, or am I worrying over nothing?

[Blue Ginger]

Danger Will Robinson Danger Danger!

Yep, that sounds dodgy as all hell. I would never go for an interview or a job with so little information. Even agencies know better and give out more info.

Maybe talk to another co worker about it on the quiet and get them to express concern as well?
If she is willing to share the address and phone number, try googling them. It should at least give you an idea if it's a house or commercial building.

[bainsidhe]

People do not call a random workplace and offer people jobs. If it was legit, he would have at least come in person.

If coworker is hellbent on going to the location, please insist to her that she mustn't go alone. This sounds very skeevy.

[EricKei]

Thirded. This sounds very stalkerish and creepy. The "job" description is entirely too vague for something legit.

[taxguykarl]

Non-criminalsPeople do not call a random workplace and offer people jobs. If it was legit, he would have at least come in person.

Corrected. Even head hunters give details of the type of work and organization. This sounds like a pimp looking for new blood.

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

In all likelihood, the job is not one she will like doing. Or even should be doing, if you get my drift.

If she does want to check this out, don't let her go alone.

[little_miss_springfield]

One concern here is that applying for a job usually involves giving personal info like your phone number and address. If this guy's not legit, he'll have everything he needs to stalk her.

You might try Googling whatever info he's given your coworker. Google the address and see what comes up. If there really is a business at that address, try calling them and see if they even know Steve. He might just be arranging to meet her there and will have some reason for her to go somewhere else with him. Did "Steve" give a last name? If he didn't, that's a huge red flag.

Maybe I've been reading too creepy stories on another site, but this definitely doesn't sound like the way a legitimate business operates.

[Dreamstalker]

Seconded, thirded, fourthed, etc. Even if this was legit (sniff test says no) it's a very bizarre approach. Google/research everything you can. If "Steve" gave a last name (which it sounds like he didn't) look on LinkedIn, etc.

If CW does go check it out, take someone with; I was going to suggest give fake contact info (or that of a willing, intimidating male friend). Nothing about this sounds kosher to me.

[Mr Hero]

Fake contact information is now out of the question. She got the address of the interview through a text. I didn't know what else to do so I told my boss my concerns. She's done some MiM worthy stuff but she's not a mean person by any means. This is one of my favorite coworkers, and I'm likely breaking some sort of confidentiality, but I feel this is more important.

[MoonCat]

At the very least she should let someone know where she's going and when. I mean would she accept a date this way? If not, then why accept a "job interview" this way?

[Food Lady]

It sounds like a legit--but totally undesirable-- job like they used to vaguely advertise in the classifieds in the early '90s. I'm talking about making you come to a mass interview and sit through a presentation on how to sell stuff door-to-door.

[Mr Hero]

I learned a few things. My coworker did look up the address. Says it's an insurance company, but can't remember the name. So it's likely as Food Lady is guessing, an undesirable job, hence the vagueness. Probably cold calls. She also told me she also sent her sister the address. So I feel less worried now.

[Mriswith]

The first thing I thought reading this, and the first thing I would have said (without hesitation) is " Y'know, prostitutes 'work with people'".

[Pixelated]

I see you've spoken to your manager. Good move. Perhaps your coworker will listen to her. But ultimately, you can't save your coworker from herself. If "Steve" is a genuine employee at the insurance company, it sounds like a crappy job but not actually dangerous. If, as little_miss_springfield suggested, "Steve" intends to meet her at the building and then draw her off somewhere else ... that's not so good.

Corrected. Even head hunters give details of the type of work and organization. This sounds like a pimp looking for new blood.

The first thing I thought reading this, and the first thing I would have said (without hesitation) is " Y'know, prostitutes 'work with people'".

Exactly!

[Mr Hero]

The first thing I thought reading this, and the first thing I would have said (without hesitation) is " Y'know, prostitutes 'work with people'".

That was my first thought, but I didn't actually say anything. Either that or porn.

As it turns out, the "job" was way more tame than I feared. With the hindsight I now have, I likely wouldn't have voiced my concerns to my boss. But I have no regrets. I made the best move with the limited knowledge I had at the time.

As it turns out, it was just a really crappy job cold selling insurance. And possibly telling people to watch out for that first step because it's a doozy.