I think there can be reasonable asks for you prior to getting paid. For example, I was invited to a company-wide call prior to my start date, but it was optiona

I think there can be reasonable asks for you prior to getting paid. For example, I was invited to a company-wide call prior to my start date, but it was optional for me and was only suggested on the basis that I would learn a little about the company prior to my start date. It was not a problem that I elected not to attend. I am not aware if it is illegal but it is certainly unprofessional to ask someone to contribute to the business while not being a representative of the business yet, leaving pay issues aside. It's unclear why they are comfortable having you make decisions when, for all they know, you may do something that makes the company legally liable. Further, many vendors require NDAs, depending on the sort of vendor call. Seems like silly risk to me. Certainly it is a red flag but I don't think I would sound the alarm quite yet.