Did they want me to hear and take action ?

My organisation had some big simulators for submarines.

I was there one day and two people working with a separate organisation started up a conversation among themselves about a problems in their own organisation.

There was a "configuration" section which kept accurate "version numbers" and whatnot.

They said that a new person would be recruited to issue such information. The information would be incorrect, and the person would lose their job after a month.
The new person was a scapegoat.

On reflection I think the people wanted me to take some action.

You can imagine that if there was an "office psychopath" in their organisation causing this problem, there was probably an office psychopath in my organisation as well, aiding and abetting the other office psychopath.

"There needs no ghost, my lord, come from the grave to tell us this".

They may have been playing with your head...just to see how far it would go. Ignore it and do your own thing.

I don't know

An office psychopath?

There are office psychopaths in every job, organization, whatever you want to call them, it's never easy dealing with them, best thing to do is don't jump to conclusions and just hang in there, the next time you hear something take it to whoever you need to, to put an end to it, but have your ducks in a row, because I guarantee you they will have theirs in a row too, so keep your eyes and ears open, and document everything you feel is pertinent to the situation, and find others who may feel the same as you do, stay under the radar and keep aware of everything.

It is hard to know the source of their information and how accurate it is. If you can check that part out you would be better able to decide if action was called for or not. How trustworthy were the two people in the conversation and how accurate was what they said. Old saying: 'Believe nothing of what you hear. 1/3 of what you read. 1/2 of what you see with your own eyes.'

Either you are mistaken or paranoid about their motives, talking within your presence; or, they had no concern for your character and integrity if they needed you as their "secret weapon" against their "scapegoat." You ought to have reported THEM.

With in human interaction their is spider webs. Knowing about them and traversing them are two different things. Experts we all must become.

There are always checks and balances, if this has you as a target, real or in your head.

Then go through the steps.

Research and Proof, followed by meeting in camera with your superiors.

It may not have any immediate results, one thing for sure if you are right, you'll be long out of the scene when the results of your alert surfaces.

That'll mean one of two things, you'll be asked to resign, or be deployed to another department.

A lot of things are at play here.

Be careful, take a breathe, it may lead you to an alternative answer to that of being a whistle blower, a new position with a new company perhaps.

In you resignation, you'll be asked why, this will be your slam dunk, use it wisely.

Life is very short, we have a long time to live it.

Well Ok then....