What do I do about a solicitor?

Question

A co-worker told me that she recently logged into the database, printed out our customer mailing list, and sild it to various list subscribers for her "petty cash fund" since she didn't get a raise increase that she deserved.

What do I do??
Tell a human resource staff member?
Tell other co-workers?
Wish she hadn't told you and not say anything to anyone?!
Other?

Answer 1

This is hearsay. Unless you see the act, I would ignore it. If you do see it, review your company's policies on theft in either your employee manual or HR. If they do not have a policy, than apparently they don't feel this is such a big deal, although I would go bananas if someone sold my customer lists.

Answer 2

It would depend to a great deal on company policy. Is there a rule against such things? If so, I think I would let your immediate supervisor know and hope that (s)he would take the needed steps. If not I would probably not mention it to management, but I would try to avoid contact with the co-worker due to her being, at best, unethical. You can almost bet if she told you, she told others and it will reach the ears of management at some point. Wouldn't that be the same as stealing products from her employer?

Answer 3

I would tell. I wouldn't want to get in trouble for something I knew and kept to myself. I would make sure I told someone who was a manager. I would be afraid if I told a standard employee that it wouldn't be dealt with appropriately and I could still get in the mix. That situation has happened to me in the past and I wound up getting in trouble too so now I only deal with management.
Also I would make it in the form of a written notice. Whether it was hardcopy or electronic (email).
I have been burned a few times and have learned the meaning of CYA (cover your @$$). But that's my opinion. That is what I would do. Each person and each situation needs to be analyzed on an individual basis.

Answer 4

If you want to keep quiet that is up to you. However, what she has done is at least highly unethical, if not illegal - you should report her to her superior or the HR department. How would the clients on that list feel having their names sold around? If she didn't get a raise she needs to go through the proper channels to challenge that, not take petty revenge. Also, if this is her way of dealing with it she doesn't sound like the kind of employee who deserved a raise in the first place, she is dishonest. I urge you to report her, that's what I think I would do.

Answer 5

In our journey through life, we sometimes get engulfed in situations not of our own volition e.g. being witness to a crime, part of a Tsunami tragedy etc. etc. What seperates heroes/heroins from cowards is just what we choose to do under the circumstances. It is a personal choice. Remember however the wisdon, that cowards die a thousand deaths. These circumstances will repeat themselves over and over, big or small; throughout our lives. Heroes, die but once. If the circumstances is such that they pay the ultimate price, then so be it. The choice however is still yours!

Answer 6

Just so you know -This could blow up in your face if you tell. I've seen that happen to me with collegues that I've worked with and it was ridiculous and embarrassing.

I know you want to do the right thing, but what evidence do you have that she did it? She told you - that's it. So, when a supervisor confronts her and they (employer) have no evidence you may be put in an awkward position. They might pull you in and ask you stuff right infront of your co-worker.

If you don't mind that and you can handle the heat, then do it --go to a supervisor.

Answer 7

Tell human resources. If they found out you know and didn't tell anyone, you can be in trouble.