Hi Reddit,
I’m torn if I’m the AH here.
One of my former coworkers asking for "a huge favor" and asking to cash app them $30. I ignored it and assumed it was a scam, as it was through Facebook messenger and that’s one of the oldest scams in the book. I started doubting it being real when I got a second message this morning, asking if I was going to send it over. The only reason I’m questioning if it is real is that she included details that are accurate to her life last we talked, and referred to me by what I go by at work (which is different than what is listed on Facebook).
We both still work for the company but in separate locations. Our company has an employee relief fund for emergencies, and I have seen it in action a few times for different unexpected reasons. It’s very well known company wide. At the beginning of the government shutdown, they sent an email blast out reminding associates of the program’s existence, and detailed instructions on how to apply. This program typically pays out same day.
I did not open either message, and contacted my old manager (one of her current ones) and asked if he would be willing to reach out to her and remind her of the program and if it is real, show her how to apply for program.
The reason that I am unclear if I am TA is because I let somebody else know about the situation.
NTA. A real friend would call you personally and ask for help. Requesting money via social media? Nope.
I don’t think she has my phone number. I’ve made it very hard to get my phone number. It sets off all my scam bells, but my gut is telling me it could be true. I feel bad either way n
Someone who doesn’t have your phone number isn’t close enough to you to be requesting you lend or give them money. If it is her, she should feel bad for being so brazen. If it isn’t her, it doesn’t matter if you told your ex manager.
Kind of strange that a FORMER co worker is asking YOU for $30? Are you the only person they know with a job?
Not sure this is the right subreddit seeing as there’s no conflict.
But NTA. She didn’t ask for secrecy and it’s valid to doubt a message sent from messenger.
Are you close with the former coworker that it’d make sense for her to ask for money?
Our paths have crossed maybe three times in the past two years since I left that location
Yeah that’s weird. High chance it really is a scam
That’s my thought, but I have a gut feeling it isn’t because she called me by what all of my coworkers call me, which isn’t my facebook name.
No chance of the nickname appearing in another post or even a message on the messenger chat history? You can always message back there shouldn’t be any danger as long as you don’t give away any sensitive information. If she’s working close by just ask to meet her irl
NTA
Using former coworker we can see that it´s not an actual friend, plus just someone asking money out of nowhere is always weird (specially if they don´t say why) plus it definitely sounds like a scam
NTA. It was likely a scam.
Sounds like a scam. Block.
NTA. Don’t lend coworkers money. Nothing good will come from it.
Why would you not email her directly through work??
I am sure this is a scam, but you should have emailed or Slacked her just to let her know. If she confirmed that it was her, then you could have pointed her to the relief fund.