Employee’s Prank on Boss Goes Extremely Wrong, Leaving Internet in Stitches: ‘That’s a Problem’
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A lighthearted office prank that started as a joke has taken an unexpected turn, leaving one man in a bureaucratic nightmare that could block the purchase of his dream home.
What began as an amusing alter ego created to trick a boss has now become a legitimate presence on credit reports, background checks and even tenant records, admitted original poster (OP) Cweev10 on Reddit this week.
‘Insanely gullible’
A decade ago, the OP as a sales director crafted an outlandish yet oddly believable character named “Ricky” to mess with his former “insanely gullible” employer.
Ricky, a mullet-wearing, Coors-drinking, semi-retired rock star with a history as a janitorial executive at Chuck E. Cheese, applied for a sales job with an exaggerated résumé.
The prank escalated when the OP actually showed up in character, complete with a wig and an Ozzy Osbourne T-shirt.
Stock image of an embarrassed man. A lighthearted office prank that started as a joke has taken an unexpected turn, leaving one man in a bureaucratic nightmare that could block the purchase of his dream… Stock image of an embarrassed man. A lighthearted office prank that started as a joke has taken an unexpected turn, leaving one man in a bureaucratic nightmare that could block the purchase of his dream home.
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The joke quickly became an office legend. Ricky was given his own office nameplate and his online presence expanded with dedicated Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube accounts.
The character took on a life of his own, with friends often asking for updates on “Slick Rick’s” latest antics. Photoshop skills turned Ricky into a globetrotting figure, appearing in fake event photos, front-row at political inaugurations and even starring in amateur music tracks.
Over the years, Ricky’s name was used for various sign-ups—burner emails, promotional offers and even as a placeholder for referrals. But what had been a long-running gag turned serious when the OP and his wife applied for a mortgage.
‘Known associate’
During a credit check, the lender asked about a “known associate” named Ricky, who appeared as a tenant on their rental property and a co-tenant in a corporate apartment lease.
When told about the fantasy figure, the lender apparently replied, “Uh… that’s a problem”, the OP said.
“This was all fun and games until today,” the OP lamented to fellow Redditors.
“Somehow, our actual tenant doesn’t even show up for them, and they just see ‘Ricky’.”
The Power of Fiction
While the situation is unique and extreme, the power of humor in professional environments is well documented.
According to The Receptionist, office humor can strengthen team bonds, enhance creativity and reduce stress. Many companies actively encourage fun at work through themed dress-up days, office pranks and team-building activities.
However, as this story proves, even a joke can have real-world consequences when it overlaps with personal records.
Psychologists also point out the benefits of humor in managing stress and fostering connections. Psychology Today highlights how humor helps individuals process complex emotions, build rapport and even persuade others more effectively.
In this case, what started as a coping mechanism in a high-stress job ultimately blurred the line between fiction and reality.
The absurdity of the situation struck a chord with Reddit users, who responded with both concern and comedy. One user with the most upvoted remark asked: “Is it possible Ricky is real and you’re the alter ego?”
The OP replied: “I question that quite often. Ricky is basically the opportunity to unironically exercise my low IQ redneck side and I love it haha.”
Others encouraged the OP to lean into the situation even further.
“Commit to it,” one user urged, adding, “Ricky does exist. In fact, Ricky is even planning to get married and settle down. He’s even asked you to be the best man.”
‘Plot twist’
More than a few users ran with the gag, such as the person who chipped in with: “Plot twist: Ricky runs for office and wins because everyone thinks he’s the realest candidate out there.
“#MoppinFloorsDrinkinCoors2025”
Newsweek has contacted Cweev10 comment via Reddit.
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