ADVERTISEMENT

We typically learn how to lie between the ages of 2 and 4. At that point, the ability to deceive is actually an important cognitive developmental milestone.

It indicates we realize that our thoughts are separate from others’ — we understand that we can’t read each other’s minds!

But that doesn’t mean we can just say whatever and get away with it. Push your false narratives too far, and you’ll get exposed. People aren’t dumb and will catch up. Plus, since we all carry cameras in our pockets and know how to take screenshots online, there will be receipts.

To remind everyone that confidence doesn’t always equal credibility, we put together some of the most satisfying times liars got caught in broad daylight.

#1

Oh Man, Got Burned

One-star review reply reveals restaurant not open and applicant not hired

No-Bear Report

RELATED:
    #2

    Wow, The Worst Types Of People On Yelp

    Negative hair salon review and owner's ironic response

    bbill53 Report

    Most of us are honest, says University of Wisconsin-La Crosse professor Tony Docan-Morgan, co-author of the study “Unpacking variation in lie prevalence: Prolific liars, bad lie days, or both?” published in Communication Monographs.

    The paper examined 116,366 lies told by 632 participants over 91 consecutive days. Participants self-reported their lies daily via an online survey, and about 75% did not lie often — just 0 to 2 times per day.

    A small group — 6% of respondents — had similarly low average levels of lying but had days when they lied much more frequently.

    #3

    During Lockdown A Guy Leaves A Bad Review For A Shop He Was Never Even At

    Online company response denying physical store after customer complaint about unmasked employees

    Majestic_Beard Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #4

    Okay Karen

    Restaurant owner responds to fake negative review with harsh reply

    42words Report

    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are a sad, strange, little man and you have my pity.

    View more comments
    #5

    A Review For A Local Gun Range

    Review and owner response about illegal gun purchase involving a felony conviction.

    acrobafox Report

    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    11 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is how people get multiple guns they have no business being near.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Unlike most previous lie studies, this research examined lies over time rather than in a one-day behavioral survey.

    The study’s authors found that day-to-day variance varies considerably from person to person. People who are usually honest have days in which they lie more than is typical for them, and prolific liars have days in which they tell few lies.

    Generally, prolific liars exhibited much more day-to-day variation than the rest. And this variance was especially true for the top 1% of liars, who averaged 17 lies per day. The only respondents who did not vary much day-to-day were the 1% who almost never lied. 

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    On A Post About Trans People

    Social media exchange denying surgery claim on child, accusing lying about gender reassignment

    LucinaWario Report

    nm
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm an old dinosaur and this wokism and its ramifications are beyond my tolerance, because is beyond control. I believe that those who promote reassignment surgery to small children are criminals. DO NOT TOUCH CHILDREN. If you believe that shall impose your craziness to others you're wrong.

    View more comments
    #9

    That’s 15 Pages A Day

    Seventh grade student writes 211-page novel for extra credit and class reading

    unknown Report

    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Then it won the Nobel Prize in literature, the FIFA Peace Prize, and a coupon for a free breakfast at Denny's

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Why do people lie? According to the aforementioned study, there are several reasons:

    1. 21 % to avoid others
    2. 20 % as humor (a joke or a prank)
    3. 14 % to protect oneself
    4. 13 % to impress or appear more favorable
    5. 11 % to protect another person
    6. 9 % for personal benefit or gain
    7. 5 % for the benefit of another person
    8. 2 % to hurt another person
    9. 5 % unspecified reasons or, explicitly, for no reason at all

    Additionally, 79% of the study’s lies were told face-to-face, and 21% were mediated.

    #10

    That Totally Happened

    Flat Earth theory post claiming NASA deception

    Ematai Report

    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's like one of Donald Trump's Sir stories. Where there "tears in his eyes"?

    View more comments
    #11

    Lying About Donating Bone Marrow

    Reddit post claiming bone marrow donation with comment exposing photo theft from an article

    VolantisMoon Report

    Deborah
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why do people do things like this? I don't understand.

    #12

    One Word One Star Review Got Decapitated

    Owner replies to fake bad review by neighbor at Paris Jeweler restaurant

    bbrk9845 Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #13

    Yeah Not Everyone Is As Healthy As You. Some Of Us Like Our Soda

    Class hydration speech convinces everyone to drink water during Zoom meeting

    yeehaw42069howdy Report

    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I convinced my whole class to breath air. I saved some lives that day. I wouldn't call myself a hero, but I'm a hero.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Who do people lie to?

    1. 51% of the time, it’s friends
    2. 21% - family
    3. 11% - school/business colleagues
    4. 8.9% - strangers
    5. 8.5% - casual acquaintances

    88.6% of reported lies in the study were described as “little white lies,” and 11.4 % were characterized as “big lies.” An example of a “little white lie” would be saying you like a gift you really don't, and an example of a “big lie” would be insincerely declaring “I love you” to someone. 

    #14

    Just A 15 Yo Working At Louis Vuitton

    Reddit post discussing buying habits observed working at Louis Vuitton

    thethugwife Report

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because most women don't buy purses for their father. 🤷‍♀️

    View more comments
    #15

    Choosing Beggar Angry About Being Kicked Out Of Cafe With Free WiFi For Bringing In Food From A Different Restaurant

    Customer complaint and owner response about cafe behavior and loyalty

    OffTheWall343 Report

    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Make a note in your dictionary, everyone. The definition of "loyal" should now be adjusted to "a***e of goods and/or services".

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Follow on Google News

    #16

    College Class Clappers

    Social media story about accidentally attending the wrong college lecture and pretending to belong.

    FormerSperm Report

    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This happened to me too, except the professor was so impressed with my perspective, he asked me to teach the class myself. My lecture was so good he clapped. Then the whole class clapped. Then Jesus came down from heaven and invited me to be the new God of Christians.

    View more comments
    #17

    Delusional

    Tweet about alpha male recognition by a linguist at a cafe

    Tri734 Report

    ADVERTISEMENT

    When we think about which of them are worse, our initial instinct is to condemn big lies and brush off the little ones. But that’s not necessarily the correct approach.

    Dan Ariely, a professor of psychology and behavioral economics at Duke University, is the author of the book The Honest Truth about Dishonesty.

    “One of the frightening conclusions we have is that what separates honest people from not-honest people is not necessarily character, it’s opportunity,” he said.

    #18

    TikTok Commentor Gets Called Out For Faking Mental Issues For No Reason

    Social media comments exposing lies about dementia diagnosis

    unknown Report

    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    4 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The funniest fake mental issues claim I've seen was on a science blog where one regular commenter, after being asked to stop using foul-mouthed insults to other users, claimed to have been medically diagnosed with 'keyboard Tourettes', and it was therefore 'ablist' to expect him to stop. It was also 'ablist' to expect him to not constantly pick arguments; that was down to his medically diagnosed 'SIWOTI' Syndrome. 'SIWOTI' was an invention of Randall Munroe, the genius creator of the XKCD cartoon, to describe people who insert themselves into online discussions whenever they think that Someone Is Wrong On The Internet.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #19

    Saw This On Fb In A Group For Things That Never Happen

    Funny quote from a 3-year-old about cooking dinner for dad

    Shuyuya Report

    #20

    And In Today’s Things That Never Actually Happened

    Man watches Shrek 2 at dentist office before dentist calls his name

    Embarrassed-Fun2989 Report

    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I went to the dentist because of a loose filling. After an hour waiting I heard a little voice call my name. Turns out my loose filling was the dentist the whole time

    View more comments
    #21

    And Then He Woke Up

    YouTube comment about panicking and speaking in British accent through college

    AlbyGaming Report

    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, that's a cool plot for a teen comedy starring 16yo Leonardo Dicaprio.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    To Ariely, honesty is something of a state of mind. He thinks the IRS should require people to sign a pledge to be honest when they start working on their taxes, not when they’re done. Setting the stage for honesty is more effective than asking someone after the fact whether or not they lied.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    However, echoing the study in Communication Monographs, he said we shouldn’t view research on honesty and lies as negative. We have plenty of opportunities to cheat and steal — sometimes, without even getting caught — and we usually don’t take them.

    “There's a lot of good in us,” he added. “In fact, the surprising thing for a rational economist would be: why don't we cheat more?”

    #22

    Stuff That Never Happened For $500 Please

    Army young man prays and parks jeep without engine proving faith in God story

    GunkFace Report

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    😂😂😂 Then they cut open the young man's head: he had no brain!

    View more comments
    #23

    Left Nasty Review Because I Wouldn’t Work For 4 Bucks An Hour

    Review dispute about unrealistic pay request for babysitting in parenting context

    puddlepounder Report

    me me
    Community Member
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    $180 a week is a very standard rate for daycare services

    View more comments
    #24

    More Things That Never Happened

    Post describing HR recruiter offering 40% less salary after disclosure

    DualReaction Report

    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I regularly checked in with this company, that I don't work for, to see if (the entire department of) HR had been fired yet. Took 3 months."

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #25

    On Today’s Episode Of Things That Never Happened

    Tweet about donating blood monthly for pediatric surgeons and critical cases

    FalconLynx13 Report

    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They also marvel at the smoothness of your brain

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #26

    Friend Of Mine Has Daily Stories Of Men Worshipping Her Like The Goddess She Is

    Bookstore compliment reaction moves woman to tears unexpectedly

    acedude0369 Report

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do these people think that others believe this nonsense?

    View more comments
    #27

    Going Hiking

    Woman falsely claiming hiking on social media backyard photos

    QuirkyWolfie Report

    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bet she was in water-boy's casual zoom lecture from further up the thread, 'cos that's definitely a casual-size water bottle.

    View more comments
    #28

    "And Then The Whole Room Stood Up And Cheered"

    Hiring manager story about hiring man recently out of prison

    axbaz Report

    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Doesn't hire women, it seems. Is that part of this fantastical scenario?

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #29

    Tried To Pretend He Got Scammed In A Martial Arts School

    One-star review claiming money stolen, owner responds explaining attendance and refund policy

    Sticky_fingaaaas Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #31

    This Didn't Happen So Hard It Make Things That Already Happened Unhappen

    Social media post about chaotic behavior at steakhouse in downtown Orlando

    ThePhillyExplorer Report

    Tobias Reaper
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    of all the things that didnt happen this didnt happen the most

    View more comments
    #32

    The Comment Section On Backstreet Boys Video

    Grocery store impromptu singalong with I want it that way surprises shoppers

    Scoobyboodude Report

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seriously, do people really still post about others clapping for them?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #33

    And Then The Teacher Started Breakdancing

    Story about accidentally playing music on school speaker and teacher joining in

    Mouseinanutshell Report

    Corvus
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ugh, reminds me of that time when I accidentally connected to a TV broadcast studio and everyone heard my song during the evening news. The anchors clapped, of course :P

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #34

    I Bet She Did

    Woman at gym posts about being ignored by foreigner

    FirmlyGraspIt81 Report

    Sarah Belt
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe Gretchy misheard: "I do not talk to freaks who film me in my apartment building without my consent"

    View more comments
    #35

    Girlbosses Can Be Liars Too

    Story about a woman confidently explaining her business trip to Abu Dhabi at the gym.

    That_Operation_9977 Report

    #36

    That Never Happened, Did It Homer?

    Tweet about child's question on helping ICE and deportation perspective

    champdo Report

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No 3 year old has ever said something like that in the history of time. This person has obviously never even met a 3 year old. Mostly they talk about Paw Patrol and po0p. 😂

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #37

    And Then My Newborn Did My Taxes

    Children preparing breakfast with french toast and orange in calm home setting

    HopWallace Report

    Mrreoww
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey, my one-year-old cooks dinner all the time! Does yours not? Shocking!!!!

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #38

    And Then Everyone Clapped And He Cried And Ran Out And Later I Found Out He Quit His Job

    Comment about embarrassing PE teacher by doing extra push ups in class

    mharden716 Report

    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    10 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I did the punishment I was told to do. Sure showed him!"

    View more comments
    #39

    This Totally 100% Happened. For Reals And For True

    Customer leaves 10,000 tip hidden behind trash can with Door Dash food order

    Tarfcharf Report

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll take "Things That Absolutely Never Happened" for $200 Ken.

    View more comments
    #40

    I Literally Have Never Met A Single Person Who Gets Angry At Either Merry Christmas Or Happy Holidays

    Post about changing Merry Christmas greetings to a religious holiday message

    Zeletuma Report

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can only imagine the look on someone's face if he actually said that in public. 😂

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #41

    Then Her Whole Family Clapped And Carried Her On Their Shoulders

    Social media post about skincare business growth and accountant advice

    premed_donna Report

    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Opening gambit of her sales pitch for the multi-level marketing scam she's running?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #43

    Sure

    Funny text about calling police for open door and easy burglary

    Gagaga-riddle Report

    David Morgan
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You forgot who you were supposed to be, halfway through the story. Brilliant.

    #44

    A Real Leader Is Born

    Social media post about CVS lines and a cashier's witty answer about smart and dumb lines

    unknown Report

    Sarah Belt
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so you cut everyone that queued up for both registers at the same time

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #45

    “A Homeless Man Was Willing To Put His Life In Danger For $15 A Night”

    Tweet about a homeless man protecting a car from break-ins in Austin.

    unknown Report

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This may not be a lie. We used to do the same thing in DC when I was a teenager.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #46

    Ouchie

    Text message reveals lie about tickets and seeing someone with another guy

    pyreonfire Report

    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Meh, this is plausible. This one time a guy brought his mistress to a Coldplay concert and they were broadcast for the whole world to see.

    View more comments
    #47

    Latest Addition To "Things That Never Happened"

    Quote about virtual summit speaking fee increase and booking information

    ReyScavenger Report