A very recent one (well, not on programming but still IT-related): the local PHB of IT decides to sack the local Head of Networks and sends --through Human Resources-- a "TOP URGENT User-out" message to the Head Office. Such "User-out" message is used to immediately block all computer, e-mail and network access to avoid any downloading of company data by the person being fired (who is at that moment not yet aware of his dismissal).

Guess what happens? Someone from the Head Office IT Department actually called the poor local Head of Networks to ask "if it is OK to terminate all your accounts, as we see that you are logged-in on some servers and we would not want to disrupt your session"!