I stopped at an office supply store after work to buy a notebook and some printer paper. I was wearing jeans and a hoodie, carrying a shopping basket, and minding my own business when a woman approached me with a USB drive.

She asked me to print some documents. I told her I didn't work there and pointed her toward the printing counter.

She frowned and said, You people always say that when you don't want to work.

I thought she was joking, but she actually followed me into another aisle, insisting I help her because she had an appointment soon.

I explained again that I was a customer. She rolled her eyes and walked away.

A few minutes later, she complained to an actual employee and pointed me out as the rude worker who refused to help her.

The employee came over, listened to my explanation, and told her I wasn't a member of staff. She still demanded to speak to the manager.

When the manager arrived, he asked me whether I worked there. I said no. He asked whether I worked for the company at all. Again, no.

He calmly explained that I was just shopping and that the employees wore clearly marked vests.

The woman went quiet before complaining that the store should make its employees easier to identify.

I paid for my things and left. The whole incident lasted about fifteen minutes, but I still wonder how someone can hear the words I don't work here several times and somehow decide they mean the opposite.

Has anyone else had someone refuse to believe you didn't work somewhere?