ADVERTISEMENT

What seems to be very obviously nefarious to you might not be obvious to someone else. That’s exactly the question that internet users have been tackling on the r/AskReddit subreddit. User u/Aurallius asked people to open up about what they personally believe to be scams that “everyone else accepts otherwise,” and they were glad to deliver.

The thread quickly went viral, getting over 36.6k upvotes and a whopping 27.3k comments: everyone was fired up to share their opinions and discuss each other’s views. From shopping channels to credit repair companies and more, you’ll find all things that some people think are secretly scams below.

Some of the things mentioned in this list are likely real-life scams. Of course, you might not agree with all of these conclusions, dear Pandas, but that’s part of the point—the grey area in which these things exist. Let us know what you think about these redditors’ opinions in the comments and if you agree with them or not and why.

The author of the thread, redditor Aurallius, gave Bored Panda some insights about the inspiration behind their question and what people should do to avoid scams. Aurallius is a design student at the School of Visual Arts in New York. They're an illustrator "working to make a living from art." You'll find their comments below.

#1

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams All of insurance as it is currently sold.

Example: I have full coverage car insurance. I pay $X/month to have that coverage.

Then I use it. Then they charge more.

Which means that my rate before my accident wasn't really the price of coverage; the new, higher rate is. I was paying a subscription fee to have coverage at a higher rate once I needed it.

Same for health insurance. I have to pay a deductible, meaning, I am not covered until I've paid it. "You are covered, but actually not until you've paid out of pocket a certain amount. Also, we will only cover a certain percentage of costs." Which means I'm actually not covered entirely. It's not actually insurance.

Here's how insurance is supposed to work: I pay you $X/month and you pool that money with everyone else paying that to you. When I have a problem you have the pooled resources to cover it for me. I'm still paying more over time probably than the cost of that event, but you're there to take on that cost for me for the price of my premiums. That's not what's happening anymore.

KineticBombardment99 , Andrea Piacquadio Report

#2

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams I'm probably going to be blasted for it, but the wedding industry seems to be scamming people for love.

You don't need a $35,000 party to marry someone, just get a priest and some friends for like $3k and save that money for your relationship.

Weddings used to be paid by parents or grandparents of the couple, but times have changed and more people are paying out of their own pocket for a celebration that doesn't really need to be extravagant.

Kuldrtorix , Álvaro CvG Report

Add photo comments
POST
kerdosbacon avatar
Kevin Erdős–Bacon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Get a priest and some friends for $3k"? That sounds like people trafficking, but sure, I'll buy a priest 😂

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#3

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams The funeral industry. Poor families get robbed of so much money just to put on a "respectful" funeral, and because they're grieving, it's seriously kicking them while they're down. You don't need to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to have grandma embalmed, made-up with corpse makeup, put in a casket worth an arm and a leg, and lowered into a hole filled with roses, to be topped with an ornate expensive headstone. I wish natural burials were more mainstream, where the body is put in its favorite outfit, wrapped in a biodegradable sheet, and placed in a mound of dirt to be absorbed by the earth. Big funeral companies are benefiting off of people's grief and it's disgusting.

bourbon_legends , Rhodi Lopez Report

Add photo comments
POST
ssnx01 avatar
Chich
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cremation. Fought fire for years, I'll let it get me at the end :)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Aurallius, the author of the thread, told Bored Panda that they're often subjected to various ads. The "variety of products and services that are advertised on a regular basis" made the redditor come up with the question in the first place. However, that wasn't the only reason.

"I also wanted to make a popular post," they opened up to Bored Panda that they were aiming for some popularity online as well.

There are various ways how people react to being scammed. Some choose to waste the scammers' time. Others immediately call the authorities. While others choose to ignore the scammers entirely. Aurallius told Bored Panda that, in their opinion, it's best to "immediately report the scam" so as to help protect others in the future.

ADVERTISEMENT
#4

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams So-called "body cleanses", whether it be juice, herbal pills or something else.

I want to smack anyone who says they need to go on a cleanse. What the hell do you think your liver and kidneys are doing? you wanna cleanse? drink some water and let the giblets do their work, dingus!

MysteryGirlWhite , pxfuel Report

Add photo comments
POST
susannaental_1 avatar
Dynein
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is an even weirder belief which says that the gut gets lined with dried up s**t over time and therefore needs to be rinsed out at intervals. I mean, strictly speaking the gut IS a sort of pipe, but a) it can't dry out inside, b) the walls are too soft and move too much to maintain a dry lining, c) the contents don't trickle, they are pushed through, rubbing against the walls so how is a stable layer of grime ever supposed to build up? d) the gut cells are constantly renewed with the old and dying gut cells being expelled into the gut interior. People have the weirdest beliefs about bodies.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Unpaid internships.

If you look at the actual laws, internships are supposed to be primarily focused on education. If the intern is doing work that is providing value to the company, they are supposed to be paid.

It's just never enforced.

okfine321 , Karolina Grabowska Report

Add photo comments
POST
kerdosbacon avatar
Kevin Erdős–Bacon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the biggest scam, and really should be cracked down on - I hope this one makes it to number 1. Reminds me of the stingy influencers who want you to work for free for exposure/experience, except it involves the biggest, most profitable companies

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Buying T-shirts with the company's logo on them.

You pay them a ridiculous price to advertise them.

theBrD1 , piqsels Report

Add photo comments
POST
kerdosbacon avatar
Kevin Erdős–Bacon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well that's the whole point of conspicuous consumption - you're also advertising yourself, as being able to afford it (even though it's probably a knock-off). Still ridiculous though, I'd rather advertise to the world something I genuinely enjoy, like a band or icecream 😁

shiggins avatar
Kaliesin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Came here to say this - as well as your ability to afford it, you are also advertising your affiliation to a tribe - sports team, fashionista, band, movie, video gaming, general life philosophy... its more about aligning yourself to the concepts that the brand represent, than advertising the brand itself...

Load More Replies...
silbecl avatar
Craig Silberman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that's on you; if you want to advertise a brand on your body or your car, you've chosen to do it, and can't blame them for selling you the means to do so

m2crows avatar
Mike Crow
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a friend who would pay $400 for a tshirt. I asked why, his reply was because he wanted to.

ohxrkqra avatar
Kira Okah
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The really expensive clothes by name brands are plain and simple, te ones with the names plastered over them are the cheaper and lower quality stuff. They sell them specifically so people with less money are advertising their stuff in exchange for the lower cost. The actual rich people would be wearing the plain higher quality stuff.

balbicky avatar
Milan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a very stupid point of view. Are we then advertising everything? Like do we have cars without brandname on it? Or many other things? Services? Almost everything has own brand name. Should we shame people because they like some brands? I rather buy a little bit expensiver brand, which will last longer as cheap. There is a saying here in Slovakia. “We are not rich enough to afford to buy cheap things”.

lukebouley avatar
Luke Bouley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

well, yes, there is truth to that, we notice the cars around us, and take note of the ones we like. it might even dictate what we buy next, BUT I do not pay extra to have a gigantic Toyota logo visible to everyone as I drive by. there is a difference between discreet branding, like cars, and "Gucci" Tshirts with the logo being prominent.

Load More Replies...
blbrightonoswin_1 avatar
Brian Bennett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All of my T-shirts have animal themes mostly wolves. I love all kinds of critters and people know it. Guess I advertise love for animals - and am proud of it!

metallic_geisha avatar
Metallic Geisha
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my uncle's wives worked for a Hanes t-shirt factory. Said the exact same $5 plain white Hanes shirt was used for the Nike shirts in another part of the factory -_-

terawdon avatar
TheAnimalLady
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can verify, Metallic Geisha's comment. Have family that worked at a food packaging company whose favorite story is about his 1st day on the job. He's told to swap the bags being filled for a brand name company with the ones for the generic store brand. After he's done, he asks what to change the product filling the bags to. He's told not to change it and he didn't believe that person thinking it's a "prank on the new guy". Talks to supervisor and finds out that it's not. It's literally the exact same product. He hasn't worked there in decades but we still have to hear that story every single time we visit 😹🤣😹

Load More Replies...
samchilton avatar
Sam Chilton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't tend to buy things with the name boldly emblazoned, but sometimes it's a cool design that I like. Also don't buy things at more than their worth anyway.

itzel-ocampo avatar
Izzy_
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not stupid, it's the truth. You are a walking billboard. Why can't they just make nice and durable clothing without putting their logos across, a shirt, or all over a purse? there's no need for brands to put their logos all over their items.

aliquida avatar
Aliquid
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you don't like it.... don't buy it. Nobody is making you purchase these things. It is irrelevant if there is a "need" to put logos on things. This is capitalism... companies do things that make them profits, not what they "need" to do.

Load More Replies...
redrockinlobster avatar
Red rockin lobster
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like web influencers these days who even get payed for wearing, tasting, etc. a certain article. Pure promotion

brendanroberts avatar
Brendan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never thought of it that way. That's a clever scam. The consumers are walking billboards.

backatya7 avatar
backatya
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always said that and even to the companies supervisor's face

capragiaheidi avatar
H.L.Lewis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, not buying a shirt to advertise a company. They should be paying me to be their billboard!

gail_nope avatar
Gail Nope
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep. I’m not being a walking billboard, and paying through the nose for the privilege

tuncer_cosar avatar
Joeshar
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People would like to show what they consume, especially to show their love-brands. Do you think people pay more if no Apple logo at the back; no Starbucks logo on coffee mug, no Lacosse crocodile on the tshirt or no car logo. It's not only the product you need but your self-expression.

bandasimza avatar
Simzabandz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean why bother buying gucci simple tee for R1500 when you can buy 6-10 more at a lesser rate... these frikken ones are made and designed for celebrities and the richest of the rich, some of us buying these shirts are plain playing games, honestly!

doc_1 avatar
Doc Thissen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always said that someone who wears a corporate logo shirt is pimping that company. My first wife hated this.

thomasesthomas avatar
Thomas E S Thomas
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's why I wear plaid button-downs or blank polo shirts. Never spend more on clothing than you would a decent meal.

junewiseman1 avatar
June Wiseman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My biggest gripe is the womens' handbag industry. No I do NOT want your damn logo on my handbag. Nearly impossible to find a nice one that isn't branded.

andreacarelesskelk avatar
Andrea Careless
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ve always thought this! The companies should be paying US to wear their products.

mekala-whitaker avatar
•LeXi•
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thats why you have them sponsor you and then u wear their stuff and the stuff was free.

luisa_vasconcelos avatar
Legen ( wait for it ) dary
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always feel like a supermarket bag whenever I dress my favourite t-shirt saying "mango" in big a** letters.

katie-trondsen avatar
KT
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find it rather tacky to have some companies symbol plastered all over the item. Very low class

leemillis_1 avatar
ArmyDog07
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kind of the same thing, but when I buy a new truck, I make the dealership take off the license plate frame with their name on it, and the dealer logo. They are not paying me to advertise for them.

nfrlprdpr avatar
Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I could care less about the logo, I’m just looking for a quality t-shirt

mikedelancey avatar
Two_rolling_black_eyes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I own them too but sports jerseys/shirt/sweaters/etc for a team/player. You are paying $100 to wear a shirt because it has the name of someone else who wears a shirt like it. If they wear a different shirt, you suddenly aren't allowed to like them anymore or wear your own shirt.

dfreg avatar
Leodavinci
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My career was in the marketing/ad biz and I got many of them. Logo impressed t-shirts were promotional giveaways for decades. I had no problem wearing them then, but when they started charging for them I stopped wearing them.

janetch avatar
Janet C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I refuse to buy logo clothes, purses, etc. I am not a walking billboard for them.

stampfreak avatar
Suz66
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to a major rock festival in northern CA a couple weeks ago and the TShirts were super expensive. Outside the venue many people were selling their knockoffs for $20. My husband talked a guy down to $10 so I got two. Inside the venue they were at least 3x more...I bought them not because I needed to advertise the band Metallica, but they are my favorite band so I wanted a souvenir.

ajones_1 avatar
A Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

haha yeah. It's kind of a clever marketing trick though.

bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's just as stupid as buying a mug with the face from a youtuber printed on it for €10 when you can buy the same mug without the face for €1.

knightsofren1105 avatar
Archer Harris
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Three easy steps to get an expensive shirt: 1: go to the store and buy a white shirt. (or whatever color) 2: find someone with a shirt design machine. 3: wear the shirt. And you got yourself an awesome supreme shirt.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

I wanted to get Aurallius' opinion about what people can do to make sure that they don't fall for scams. In the redditor's opinion, education, patience, and awareness are key. "People should think critically and do extensive research on the stuff they use or consume," they pointed out that we should all be willing to put in the time to do some research to protect ourselves and our wallets.

ADVERTISEMENT

The redditor also shared that credit repair companies are an example of a scam that they've had some experience with.

Scams, hustles, cons—whatever you call them, they’re as old as human history itself. Fighting against scams and con artists is a never-ending battle because a person’s biggest defenses are education and awareness.

#7

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams I’m not a nutritionist but having comfort food be cheaper than fruits and vegetables is just plain wrong.

firey_piranha , undefined ready made Report

Add photo comments
POST
marshafredell avatar
Lovin' Life
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Totally agree. You are preach into the ground about eating healthy but when its time for meal prep and grocery shopping, you can feed a family for $20 with unhealthy foods or $60 for better choices. Many families have to take what is affordable for their situation. How can fresh fruit cost more than a loaf of bread that has a process to produce it for sale? Makes no sense at all.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Organized religion.

The mormon church asks their members to give them 10% of their money. F***ing 10% even if you're a little old lady living on a very fixed income or an 8 year old kid mowing lawns.

If you don't pay, you're not worthy enough to go to their temples. If that's not a scam, I don't know what is.

e8az , James Coleman Report

Add photo comments
POST
ritaporkolb avatar
Rita Porkoláb
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And filthy rich pastors. The religion, where your pastor is richie rich and greedy is a scam.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Tipping.
It's a scam restaurant owners use to keep wages low and profits in their pockets.

epidemica , pxfuel Report

When you’re aware of the tactics scammers use, you’re prepared to shut down their attempts to weasel money or sensitive personal information out of you. However, that just makes the scammers find even more creative, evil ways to bamboozle you and the whole process continues to spiral.

ADVERTISEMENT

There’s hardly a greater bunch of experts on scams than the r/Scams subreddit, a community dedicated to fighting back against hustlers and providing info and support to victims. One of the moderators previously gave an interview to Bored Panda about the difference between real-life and online scams, and what you can do to protect yourself.

"I think online shopping scams are different because you lose that layer of dealing with a real-life person. When you have a real person in front of you, a typical person will feel shame or guilt at the thought of taking advantage of a person,” one of the r/Scams mods explained to Bored Panda that interacting with a scammer face-to-face can give away some of their intentions. Things aren’t as clear-cut with the advent of the internet.

#10

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams College in America, it's absolutely absurd that they can hold your transcripts hostage, charge 600 dollars a year for a 'parking pass' require that the first year be spent on campus, rotate out a 500 dollars text book every single semester (that was written by your professor), and basically can find any other way to outrageously over charge students while promoting predatory lending and saying they're "not for profit".

logicalbomb , Charles DeLoye Report

Add photo comments
POST
m2crows avatar
Mike Crow
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For the USA, if it doesn’t make a profit then it is communism and therefor trampling your freedom (somehow).

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Cable TV. Either provide it for free, or remove the incessant advertisements. Not okay with the double charge.

-domi- Report

Add photo comments
POST
simon_clarke avatar
Simon Clarke
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Totally agree with this one. When I watched a mates sky TV For the first time I couldn't believe that they were adverts in the middle of something he was paying for. Whilst I'm on a rant - in England we used to get football on terrestrial channels which are, except for the BBC's licence fee, free. Then Sky took over and hoodwinked people into thinking that their coverage was sooooo much better. The majority of people fell for the idea and subscribed with the result that we now have to pay an arm and a leg to watch our national game. Same with boxing and cricket. All previously very cheap or free now we have to take out loans to watch it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#12

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Engagement rings (specifically diamond ones). Ridiculously expensive pieces of crystallized carbon that are intrinsically worthless.

Patchwork-Rebel , Anna Pou Report

Add photo comments
POST
carolyngerbrands avatar
Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

STOP buying diamonds. You rape the earth and keep the poor poor. Stimpy is right: synthetic diamonds are ok.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

“With the internet, you aren't dealing with a person, but a username and avatar. It is much easier to act maliciously when you don't have a real victim directly in front of you," the redditor pointed out that distance and anonymity don’t work in our favor, but are very useful for scammers.

"Online scams also use a lot of tricks to pressure buyers; low prices, pushes to buy now!, taking advantage of someone's kindness or naivete (re: advance check fraud, money mules, etc), or advertising one product and sending another (or nothing at all, by using a fake tracking number). Getting a person to make a decision via high-pressure tactics and preventing them from reflecting and making a sound decision is key.”

#13

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Any seminar entitled "Secrets to Building Your Wealth" or something in a similar vein. The only secret is that you attending is building some other person's wealth.

cpqarray , M ACCELERATOR Report

Add photo comments
POST
tash-penpalling avatar
Tenacious Squirrel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They’re usually pyramid schemes. However I’m not sure how often they’re accepted by everyone - I think most people realise (?).

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Popcorn prices at the cinema

Yehkum , Linus Mimietz Report

Add photo comments
POST
queeronabike avatar
Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I buy popcorn at our discount cinemas. There's one that does second run films for $2 and another that does movies after the theater runs but before the DVD release for $5. That's less than half the cost of a standard movie ticket. I know the concessions are how they make their money, and I'm okay supporting them that way.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Inkjet printer cartridges.

My printer cost a bit less than the replacement cartidges and it came with ink when I bought it.

It would be more cost effective if I bought a new printer every time the ink runs out.

Kahmael , pxhere Report

Add photo comments
POST
susannaental_1 avatar
Dynein
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's why it makes sense to check the price for cartridges *before* you decide for a printer, so you can buy the one that is the most cost-efficient *including* the future cost of replacement cartridges. The printer ink will still be overpriced, mind you, but a lot of companies try to entice you with a super cheap printer but then make up for the difference and more with every purchase of printer ink. THAT at least is something you can avoid.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

One of the best ways to know whether something’s too good to be true is to rely on your gut, your instincts, that little voice in your head that’s saying there’s really something sus going on here. “If a deal is too good to be true, it is. If you see a pair of brand new Apple AirPods advertised for $50, you are not getting an authentic product. There are many counterfeit items out there on the market, and you need to verify authenticity before hitting buy.”

Buying knockoff and counterfeit products is a horrible idea, not just because of the ethics alone but also because they pose potential risks to your health. In short, be careful what you buy. “These knockoff products do not always go through the same safety standards of the real item; they may not be UL certified, they may use chemicals or ingredients that are not FDA approved and are unsafe for use on or in the human body, or could cause major harm to human life or property,” the r/Scams moderator warned.

#16

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams When a company asks at the register, “Will you round up to the dollar for xyz charity?”

You think you’re being honorable but these companies are just taking your money and representing that THEY are the ones giving it for a tax break. It’s a total scam. If those companies want a tax break they can donate. Screw off. I donate on my own and in my own way.

mathaiser , Kampus Production Report

#17

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Bridal showers. I'm already getting you a wedding gift, but i need to get you something else too, essentially in celebration of the same event? And people who expect gifts at Their engagement parties are really milking it.

doggieravine , JillWellington Report

Add photo comments
POST
crahnamai avatar
PeachPossum
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bridal showers came about in the 19th century to replace the dowry. The original intent was to provide the bride with items for her wedding night and money that would ensure the wedding would take place. That of course was in a day and age when most women did not work. This is yet another tradition that needs to dropped. I suggest unmarried people (men and women both) bring back the "hope chest" or "glory box" that they begin to fill with household items while still in their teens. The items move with them to their first home away from mom and dad.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Transaction/processing fees when you order a digital product online. Such as a concert ticket: you pay 16 bucks extra while you pay online, and then have to print the ticket yourself.

All fees are BS and are designed to either hide the price of the original product or are an excuse for a middleman to cash in.

anonymous , Karolina Grabowska Report

Add photo comments
POST
christineschneider avatar
Beeps
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, from a customer’s point of view, this also used to really annoy me, until I started selling goods and services (including digital products) online. In order to do so, I need a business bank account (for which I have to pay a monthly fee, plus additional fees, if I have to pay in a lot of cheques), but most of all, I need another third party that processes the customers’ card payments. This also incurs a monthly fee and in addition to that, a card processing fee that varies in amount depending on which type card they use (debit or credit) each time someone buys something. Plus, each time you pay for something with your card online (ie where you’re not physically present) the processing fee is automatically higher than if you pay in a shop, as the card processing service provider claims that the risk of fraud is higher (and thus the risk that they might have to refund you.)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

One thing that you should definitely consider for the sake of your financial safety is getting a credit card and using that instead of a debit card. “Credit card protections for most cards are much more forgiving than debit cards. You can generally get your money back faster if you were scammed or misled by a business, versus initiating an investigation through your bank. It is always smarter to pay by credit card (and pay off your balance monthly!)."

#19

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Buying college textbooks.

Mandula123 , cottonbro Report

#20

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Apartments charging pet fees but not children fees.

EZE123 , Samson Katt Report

Add photo comments
POST
kaspar_kristiansen avatar
Kaspar Kristiansen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people are allergic to (some) pet hair, thus more cleaning will be needed, I don't know of any people being allergic to baby hair. Don't think the fee has anything to do with potential mess and noise, because if so I agree that children likely is deserving a higher "fee" :)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Psychics.

How do these people live with themselves when they are taking advantage of people in their time of mourning/loss?

It's cheaper to go a therapist

anonymous , Anastasia Shuraeva Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#22

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Hotels charging for WiFi. Also flights.

You’re telling me I can get free WiFi from libraries, coffee shops, the dentist, and the bus. But I can’t get WiFi included with this $189/night room? If I spend more than $2 i want free WiFi

boydcrowdersteeths , Brett Jordan Report

#23

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Those "For every share/like this post gets we'll donate £1 to a charity for the Amazon rainforest" posts on Instagram. No way in hell are any of these people donating millions of pounds just because they got a bunch of likes on a post. It's just a very shameful way of getting likes in my opinion and makes people feel very self righteous when they share or like them.

otmh , Brett Jordan Report

#24

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Any kind of over the counter pill, vitamin, cream or personal cleansing product that is usually unisex but claims that this particular one is for men or women only. It's the same razor model but in a different color, Gillette. I'm onto your s**t.

strangelove77 Report

Add photo comments
POST
saragregory0508 avatar
NsG
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Double check though - some vitamins marketed at women do have a higher proportion of folic acid because that does have more benefit for women (particularly pre-pregnancy). If the two sets of contents are genuinely identical - don't spend more for just the pretty lady on the front.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Organic produce.

I grew up on an orchard, so I know that it’s actually pretty easy to follow organic standards. Contrary to popular belief, organic does not mean no sprays, it just means that the sprays you used were on a very long list of approved sprays. (In the US anyway. I can’t speak for other countries)

And then actually being able to use the term organic requires a very expensive certification process.

So all that organic means is that big companies can charge higher prices for their produce.

DootDootBlorp , Markus Spiske Report

Add photo comments
POST
manndy_rybicka avatar
Manndy Fisher
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It always amazed me how organic carrots and non organic cost the same. Either you are scamming me or organic are not organic and the other way around. BTW, I have a local farmer's market where I live and these "organic" products from supermarkets look nothing like a real ones.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Priority boarding for airlines. Personally if I paid extra I would want to be the last person on the plane. I sit down, we go. I wouldnt pay extra to make my plane time longer by 30 mins just to have 100 people bump into me as they board.

mr_ribzeater , Markus Winkler Report

Add photo comments
POST
saragregory0508 avatar
NsG
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some airlines (looking at certain Irish owned ones) used to not allocate seating. Priority boarding means you get your choice of seat and who you sit with. This was often short haul internal flights as well.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Shakes and pills for weight loss.

anonymous , Andres Ayrton Report

#28

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Wish.com
Yeah you find something you like for a dollar, BUT it has 7 dollar shipping fee AND it's from China and will take a month to get to you.

bleachedgrahole Report

#29

Autism speaks. The organisation is actually terrible, and views autism as a curable illness and as a burden that must be fixed.

cotton_tale Report

Add photo comments
POST
jameskramer avatar
James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have seen nothing good about this organisation. I have spoken to a number of autistic adults online after my son was diagnosed. They all hate it. They also have a major problem with this Spectrum10k thing where scientists want DNA from autistic people but have not been clear on why and who will have access. That has been likened to eugenics.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams College. Most of he population does not need a degree to work the job they work, but we're told all thier lives that they will never become anything without it. Most of us get fooled into going and spending tens of thousands on a BS piece of paper that in reality contributes nothing to ones ability to do the job they end up doing.

TitsOnAUnicorn , Andrea Piacquadio Report

Add photo comments
POST
susannaental_1 avatar
Dynein
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish people didn't push so much for higher education for everyone remotely intelligent, and I wish trade jobs weren't marketed as something for the people "too stupid" for higher education. What's people's problem with having intelligent craftsmen? Do you really prefer stupid craftsmen doing work at your house? And on the other side of the coin, a lot of the jobs for which university education is expected don't in fact need to be done by the most intelligent people. Can't we finally accept that intelligent jobs aren't an opposite of manual jobs, but rather are the jobs where independent problem solving is required? It's not the difference between blue collar and white collar and it shouldn't be.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

Payment plans for phones and just paying $1000 for a phone in general.

Triggerhappysmf Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#32

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Any company that makes you go to their dealers for repairs, like Apple, just so you have to pay triple the amount. If you had gotten an android and watched a youtube video, you could have fixed the problem yourself in 20 minutes for about 10 bucks.

anonymous , Aaron Yoo Report

Add photo comments
POST
barts_1 avatar
Bart S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So much bs, most of the android devices are not that easy to disassemble when comes to replace damaged screen or battery. If they are screwed in that ok, screwdriver or two will do the job but what about glued in screen?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#33

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams The shopping channel, they just get some common product, slap a few mouthy salesmen on it with an infomercial and sell it for 10x the price.

They're just screwing over pre internet senior citizens.

Rrraou , HSNtv Report

Add photo comments
POST
suehazlewood avatar
Sue Hazlewood
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a 'pre internet senior citizen' and do not watch these appalling channels at all

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#34

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Workout/meal plan apps that you have to pay for. All of their workouts and meal recipes are google'able and extremely generic. There’s no face time between you and the app people so there’s no individuality in it. I don’t get how people fall for it at all

farrahmad , Ketut Subiyanto Report

Add photo comments
POST
tamsin_far avatar
Tamsin Far
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people (including me) will more likely stick to something if they have paid for it. Sounds stupid, is stupid, but if it works...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams The cost of mobile Data plans.

I'm from Sweden and here I currently pay $15 for 8 GB. I lived in Canada for the winter and they wanted $50 for like 3GB.

soppamootanten , Ketut Subiyanto Report

Add photo comments
POST
robert-thornburrow avatar
Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't easily split out what I pay for data from mine, as it also includes the phone, but I am on unlimited data and unlimited calls. I can even take it roaming for a very small daily fee. The freedom of being able to watch streaming services on the move, or connect my laptop to the internet from practically anywhere without worry about data charges and limits is liberating - previously I had a limit and hardly dared use it for fear of overrunning it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams High School rings. I don’t know why people buy them. What do you use them for?

For those who don’t know what a class ring is, it’s a ring that you can buy when you’re going to graduate. Details vary from ring to ring, but it generally has the school’s logo on it, can be customized a bit, and costs anywhere from $100-$1000 depending on the materials, what school you go to, etc.

Tennisdude111 , slgckgc Report

Add photo comments
POST
dslepenk avatar
Dasha Slepenkina
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Went to high school in the US and remember them trying to get us to buy one... super expensive and SO ugly! The best part is, everyone was trying to convince me I'd regret not getting one... now I never see anyone wearing theirs. If it's something that makes you happy, go for it, but my school pushed these so hard and plenty of people wasted their money on something they never wear.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Fruit juice and most breakfast cereals. They're full of sugar and so obviously terrible for your health and teeth, but they also lead to an energy slump that makes late mornings at work unnecessarily irksome.

anonymous , Binyamin Mellish Report

Add photo comments
POST
robert-thornburrow avatar
Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends what cereal you buy. Some contain none at all, some contain a little and some are sugar with a side-helping of actual cereal!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Subscriptions like xbox live gold, playstation plus, etcetera...

It feels odd to have to own a console + monitor/tv, buy a game, have an already paid internet subscription and then above that, before you can even play the game (not all of them, it's clearly stated which games you need a subscription for and which not) you need a paid subscription to your console's online service?

They aren't too expensive but it just feels a little odd.. (I do not own any consoles myself nor am I trying to speak bad about console players. It just feels odd to me personally)

ShinyRai , thiago japyassu Report

Add photo comments
POST
jmscargill avatar
Scagsy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not always that clear. I've purchased games in good faith and then not been able to play it because it's online only. It's a terrible scam. So infuriating.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Pancake mix. You literally only need flour and baking powder plus a bit of salt. That's it. That's all it is. The liquid ingredients (milk, eggs) are still the same. Don't spend your money on boxed pancake mix.

RackhamJack , openfoodfacts Report

Add photo comments
POST
erin_16 avatar
GirlFriday
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A box of pancake mix is $1. How are you saving money by buying all of the ingredients separately, especially if you don't bake and don't keep baking ingredients on hand?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Credit repair companies.

I used to sell this stuff.

You pay $100 a month to send letters to credit companies to fight the debt. If they don't respond in X days, it goes off your credit. You can also dispute it if a name is barely spelt wrong or an address.

You can do this 100% on your own and there are templates online you can print out.

StarfishStabber , Karolina Grabowska Report

Add photo comments
POST
eppetot avatar
Eppe
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you can do something yourself, but decide to let someone else do it for you, it's customary to pay that person for their effort. If that's wise when you're already in debt is another matter of course.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 56 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.