Eliza Trendiak, a Canadian entrepreneur, was at a coffee shop when she overheard a conversation that seemed unusual for a job interview. In an Instagram video shared on June 6, 2026, she described the discussion between the interviewer and a woman who was applying for a job. The interviewer did not mention job responsibilities, hours, or salary. Instead, the talk revolved around financial freedom, travel, and a laid-back lifestyle. The interviewer repeatedly suggested that joining the program could lead to financial independence before turning 30.
Having run her own business for over 15 years, Trendiak suspected that the situation resembled a possible pyramid scheme. She decided to write the candidate a note cautioning her that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trendiak advised the woman not to rush into signing a contract that day and recommended taking time to think it over and research the opportunity.
After leaving the coffee shop, Trendiak felt it was important to return and give the candidate the note during the meeting. She mentioned that she wanted to help her avoid getting involved in what could be a scam. She pointed out that legitimate job interviews typically concentrate on discussing the job itself. If a “role” is promoted mainly through promises of lifestyle benefits and pressure to sign immediately, it may indicate a recruitment pitch rather than a genuine job offer. Real job opportunities remain available after a candidate takes a day or two to consider them.
Trendiak is not the only person who has intervened after witnessing a coffee shop interview. In another situation, a TikTok user named Niki Kozloski shared that she saw a woman decline a job offer politely, citing personal reasons related to her mother. Following the woman’s departure, the two men who interviewed her laughed and made derogatory remarks about her situation. Niki noted that the men arrived in gym attire for what was intended to be a formal meeting and found their behavior inappropriate. She commented that their remarks were “disgusting and misogynistic” and believed that the woman had “dodged a bullet.”
In both instances, the candidates did not fully understand the nature of the people they were dealing with, but someone nearby was aware and chose to speak up. What do you think about people intervening in such situations?
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Source: Upworthy, by Adam Albright-Hanna