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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

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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 😂

truthmonster00 avatar
Truth Monster
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You could probably get one for free if you told them there will be unattended children present....

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valisbourne avatar
Valisbourne Spiritforge
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Today is my 25th wedding anniversary. We just got married (under $100) and had no huge celebration. The Mrs considered it to be a waste of time and money (not to mention stress) and so did I. I won't say that everyone should do that, but whenever I hear about gobs of money being paid for a wedding, I just ponder a bit.

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

Often the most expensive weddings are followed by the shortest marriages.

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Rikke Visby Wickberg
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A study once showed, that the marriage will last longest, if the wedding is cheap with many guest. The marriage will be short if you have an expensive wedding with guest.

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Jason Doakes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Prom, Wedding, Gender-Reveal, brainwashed into every american girl's subsconscious as the most important celebration EVER! It's an illness.

der-tod-auf-raedern avatar
Cactus McCoy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Friends of mine had their wedding party in their own garden. Set up some pavillons with benches and tables, some speakers with a shared playlist and a heap of friends and family. Best wedding party ever and it cost around 1000€ with all the food and booze.

stefanscheiben avatar
The Scout
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another cultural difference. Statistically the usual wedding in the USA costs about 32 000 $. In Germany, the average is about 5 000 - 10 000, with most younger couples paying significantly less. If you compare the average income (, which does not really differ much between both countries), Americans spend a significantly higher fraction of their income for things like weddings or engagement rings.

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Steffen Rehm
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We paid around a thousand for our wedding, including the restaurant and around 20 people in Germany. You have to avoid the Planer, here where the most costs are.

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master_minds9_1 avatar
DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm gonna just go to the registration office (that's how you make it legal in my country) and then take the cash and spend on a honeymoon or things we need. Weddings are just too expensive, you're paying for other people's enjoyment.

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

That's the most sensible thing to do - so do it. Husband and I got married at the Justice of the Peace. Just like any other couples, we have our ups and downs, but we're still happily together for almost 20 yrs.

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Faramir10
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem is they're falling for all the hype and thinking that they have to have it.

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

People can easily choose the cheaper route and many do. It is not a scam to decide you want to spend money instead.

kc-milholland avatar
KMill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We focused more on being together with family. Old fashioned weddings used to take place in the Bride’s family home. So that’s what we did. Got married in the yard on a pretty day with 15 family members standing around us. Then inside for a potluck lunch and a cake from the local grocery store bakery. It was awesome!

idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I blame the internet and sites like instagram for turning people into entitled and envious Karens who think if they put the word 'dream' in front of something, that means they're entitled to it. "This influencer had a 100k dream wedding, so that's what I deserve, too."

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Daniel (ShadowDrakken)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My wedding cost less than $200, party included. We spent it with friends and had a blast!

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

weddings and funerals both -- forcing people to pay a lot of money for very little of value

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

A man whose wedding costs under $1,000 has half the risk of getting divorced as a man whose wedding was priced between $5,000 to $10,000, the study found. And a woman with a wedding cost of over $20,000 experiences a 1.6 times likelier chance of a divorce.

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Limey Cheesehead
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Totally agree with this one. When I got married 19 years ago we did everything cheap - my wedding cake was a sheet cake from Costco! But everyone had fun and that's the most important thing.

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

"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." Wait, sorry if I misunderstood. Imo, It doesn't seem ok to be extravagant too when parents or grandparents are the one paying for it?

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

My wife and I got married on Ohope Beach at sunset, with my daughter, my sister and her husband and the Celebrant. We signed the paperwork sitting on a piece of driftwood and then went back to the car park and had Moet and Bluff oysters while standing around the boot (trunk) of the car. We had decided on the spur of the moment to get married and told no one until it was done – my daughter, sister and BIL didn't know until we pulled up in the car park and introduced them to the Celebrant who was waiting for us. My BIL spent the next ten minutes saying, "You buggers!" That was fourteen years ago.

btoygtoy2 avatar
Brad Toy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

completely true!!!!! the photos are worth the money, otherwise, spend money on the honeymoon!!!!

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

tbh, when i get married, i'm just going to drive down to vegas and go to their drive thru chapel. it's cheaper that way and you have a story to tell the grandkids. "did you know that granma and granpa got married in a drive thru?"

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

if you really want something fancy you could probably make your own decorations for way less

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

Totally agree. All you need for a good reception is food, drink and a dancefloor.

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Sandra Givens
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to love looking at bridal magazines when I was a teenager, but outgrew the idea that I should spend the down payment for a house to throw a 3 hour party on a single day. My late husband and I got married by a civil celebrant one morning, had dinner out at our favorite place that evening, then had a party the next day in our apartment for about 20 people. Had a small but nice cake, decorated the room with flowers from the grocery store, put out a spread of half a dozen kinds of hearty finger foods, coffee, soda, wine and beer. Bought my dress on sale off a rack of party dresses so much less than a "wedding" dress. Whole thing cost about $500, including dress, flowers, license and celebrant fee, food and beverages, married 33 years before husband's death.

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

And women becoming Bridezillas from pressure of "social requirements" and the expense causing unrealistic expectations of perfection and the stress of the whole thing being a superstitious "symbol of your future happiness". The slightest thing goes wrong and that's the straw that breaks the camel's back & snaps that violin string just like their sanity. No thanks.

oberlinmom1 avatar
Susan Egan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I worked at a florist. That was when I saw how much money is wasted on weddings. Granted the biggest weddings were for fairly rich families but I've seen so many young couples burying themselves in debt for the "perfect" wedding. The whole idea that happiness rests on the biggest and best is stupid. Who is the show for? How long is it going to last? Spend that money on something useful. The wedding is your vow to the person you love.

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

I mean, you can get married for next to no cost. People can get ordained online these days. A friend of mine married my husband and me. The only thing we spent money on was the marriage certificate.

damonhill avatar
Damon Hill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Didn't cost me anywhere near $3k either time and we had a nice gathering.

fsd_1 avatar
Shellia Ventura
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or when they get married 2,3 or even 4x's and have a big wedding each time and the bride expects a bridal shower!!!! Really!

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

In some cities the mayor can perform the marriage ceremony. No need for all that expense.

navydoc192 avatar
Steven Meyer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When my wife and I got married we both didn’t want to spend a lot of money on the wedding, after all it’s only one day and memories fade. So my wife and I got married in our yard in a nice environment that I created. We then went to Hawaii for two full weeks and enjoyed our time away.

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

Our wedding cost under 3k - Pay what you want to the minister! Only lasted 41 years so far!

mwilliams2024 avatar
Kyan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think weddings are a big waste in marriage because it's all big and extravogant but then you get divorced........big waste

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

Had a beautiful wedding for no more than $1000. My dress was custom-made by a seamstress for $150. MIL paid for the food. Less than 60 guests invited. Cake and flowers were a good price. Church let us use their reception hall, tables, chairs, decor for free. They had just renovated and happened to have everything in our wedding colors.

trizerella avatar
Trizia Norris
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We got married for less than £500 in 2005. Rings, dress, fancy waistcoat for hubby, flowers, afternoon picnic for about 120 guests, evening dance and buffet for 100 guests. And it was the best day ever. If we'd had the sort of money most people seem to spend we would rather have put it towards a house! The value of your love should not be measuredby the value of your wedding.

tahadata avatar
Lara Verne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My aunt had her wedding in her grandmother's house, decorated with flowers from her own garden and white satin ribbons. Around 40 people was there. It was very nice. As far as I know, most expensive was food.

talcottmargaret avatar
My Name Is Mars
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I got married, it was done in a backyard for around $250. Granted I divorced him less than two years later but that wasn't the fault of anyone but his own.

lyone_fein avatar
Lyone Fein
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um. No. You just need 50 bucks for the marriage license, enough for rings, go to a Justice of the Peace for another 200, and maybe have a nice dinner later. Should come in under 900 bucks.

drummerkramer avatar
Bob Belcher
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's 100% a scam. It's been proven time and again. Order a nice cake from a good bakery and get the price. Then around March order the same cake and say it's for a wedding. I gaurentee you it will cost more.

saderman avatar
Shelli Aderman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We spent $54 on the license, and about $175 for a Justice of the Peace. 👍🏽

tk421 avatar
TK 421
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, now my wife and I feel poor. We spent $0.00 on our beach wedding officiated by my best friend, decorated with flowers from the gardens of our guests, and the food and drinks were brought by our guests. My mom made her wedding dress and my “suit”, and the same friend who officiated had our rings made by his brother’s jeweler girlfriend. We just showed up, said the words, and partied on the beach all day.

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

We requested a Justice of the Peace and got married at the Courthouse in a small ceremony. Under $100 and that included the after ceremony dinner at Applebees. :)

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

3k? Too much. There are people who will bless your marriage for free. Who married off Adam and Eve anyways?

itsjustme223 avatar
Shane S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Statistically the more you pay for the wedding, the higher likelihood of divorce

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

Big fancy weddings are fun and all but….I have friends still paying off their wedding years later and I just don’t understand the point of all that debt for just one fun day!

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

We did this and it was beautiful. We then went on a vacation through all of Europe and South America.

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Paul Mitchell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same for funerals. What is the point? Everyone there just feels sadder than they felt anyway, and a whole heap of cash is wasted.

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

This is something everyone can decide by themselves. Personally I agree and my wedding costed less than 3k but who am I to tell others how much they should spend on their wedding, vacations, gifts or whatever ?

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

Paid $3K for our wedding and just celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary.

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

I was shocked and angry at the people choosing marriage in that show that they choose to invest their money in a house to buy or a in a weeding party.

mish2101 avatar
Michele Wintzloff
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never understood why so much money is spent on one day. I'd rather save that extra money to put towards a house or something. But, each to their own i guess

vic1805 avatar
Vicki L
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree that you don't have to spend a fortune in order to be married. People make a wedding, not the money spent. However, if the couple want an extravagant wedding then the amount of money that costs directly helps keep the economy and many, many small businesses afloat. The wedding industry is the 3rd largest contributor to the UK economy, higher than all live sports. Every Wedding supplier I've ever met works their butt off as self employed small business owners in a competitive market.

tripper78 avatar
Jack Tripper
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We did our wedding at the county office, and had a small reception. All in we paid maybe $350. Weddings are a huge scam.

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

I find especially with younger couples they really want that giant expensive party, whereas older couples want something more frugal/intimate

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Liz the Wanderer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Girls are sold a wedding fantasy from childhood! They are brainwashed into believing this somehow represents the quality of their marriage.

kellyelewis avatar
Kellye Lewis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I majored in advertising in college and we learned that the most successful marketing plow in history was the engagement ring industry...the mark up on rings is mind blowing....

mayacoronado avatar
Florence the nonbinary person
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yeah screw that when i get married i’m just buying some rings and having my friend say some stuff and we’ll be unofficially married

viviencheng08 avatar
vivvviiieeennn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I honestly am not eager to plan any wedding because I just think the cost of everything is not worth it. I would spend decent money for beautiful photos, but that is it. A wedding dress does not need to be extravagant or does the venue. The money spent on the wedding is better used towards a downpayment for a house or a really nice vacation with the person you like. Going into debt for ONE day is not worth it.

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

My wedding cost less than £450. Our 'outfits' were normal clothes that served for many years after, the 'wedding breakfast' was the standard menu from a local restaurant for just our family, and we left for honeymoon immediately after with no night-time party. It was lovely! 27 years and going strong.

robertthompson_1 avatar
Robert Thompson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amen. There was no need for a wedding ring, or engagement ring before Mr. Macy wanted more of our money.

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Mateo Buysse
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If i'd ever get married i would just trow a party for mother, sibling, grand parents and uncle and aunt. Unless i can demand a deposit beforehand. Heck...i even promise that if said deposit is not used up, i pay it back.

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Pangolin Pal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think I've said this before (on a post about Bridezillas or something), but the best, most joyful wedding I ever attended was when my sister married my bro-in-law. My dad and I attended, at the county courthouse, as they were married by a justice of the peace. Then we all went out for a festive lunch at a fantastic Lebanese restaurant. No fuss, no big bucks - just a lot of love and happiness.

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Sage Gusano
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We paid under $600. Rented a gazebo at the local botanical garden. Bought food from a local taco joint. Paid a family friend a nominal fee for a very nice cake. Everyone pitched in for champagne. Local venue wanted over $4k for the same thing.

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

My husband and I got married during the pandemic. We had a few people, got married in the small country church I've attended since birth, and ate KFC in the basement after. It was wonderful and intimate and I wouldn't change a thing!

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Lunar Bicycle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The expectation of valuable gifts from some people is also absurd. The tradition started when people got married and had nothing of their own, and a simple gift of a nice toaster meant something. Now there are single people in their 30s combining established households that each have their own nice toasters, yet expect cash for Caribbean vacations. And a new toaster.

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think weddings are absolutely ridiculous now. If you are able to raise $35,000 or more, how about you put a deposit on a house, further your education, or travel somewhere interesting? The whole thing is vile. I got married at the courthouse in regular clothes, had a bit of a party with friends that evening and went back to work the next day. I don't feel like I missed out on anything special. My biggest gripe is the wedding dress industry. You will wear that dress once in your life. Why can't you rent a dress, just like men rent their attire?

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John L
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, I don't see that as much of a scam, like insurance. Insurance you are required to have...a big wedding, not so much.

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

Yes!! All my friends had massive weddings that were all cookie cutter the same. My husband and I had a low key fun wedding, relaxed with lots of love and laughter. Guess who regrets spending $50,000 (Aus $$) on their weddings now? At the time, I was embarrassed we couldn’t afford fancy weddings like my friends - but now I’m just so happy we had a beautiful, happy day without going into debt. 🥰

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Ganta S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would you need a priest? They're the biggest scammers!

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

It seems wallet-smarter just to get the paperwork done at the office and do a small "union dinner party" at home after the papers are processed. Ooh it can be a potluck with fam/friends so it becomes more bonding that way of union of families too.

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

Sure, but the problem isn't with what people want, it's how unreasonably expensive the industry is.

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

100% agree but try explaining that to your lively bride that's been planning her "big day" since she was 5. Also don't forget the engagement ring - that's how women compare d***s. You are not going to win this battle.

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Elmie Pumpkinbush
Community Member
2 years ago

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

But if the wedding industry did not exist, the Bridezillas would invent it!

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Tenacious Squirrel
Community Member
2 years ago

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Weddings full stop are a scam. Love, commitment, trust, etc all exist organically between two people - without weddings and legal contracts which only serve to introduce a deterrent (divorce).

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

I dont think actually being married makes any difference given that the cost of a seperation is almost exactly the same for both married and defacto. Marriage is however a legal contract with lots of benefits, like tax breaks and deductions, shared legal authority in some cases and a much cleaner distribution of assets on death. The wedding industry however is indeed a farce. If you want tot get married, a BBQ with a bunch of friends costs very little.

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#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.

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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 :)

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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.

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#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

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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.

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#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

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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

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#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

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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 😁

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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.

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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

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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.

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#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

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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.

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#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.

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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

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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).

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#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

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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.

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#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

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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.

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“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

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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 (?).

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#14

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

Yehkum , Linus Mimietz Report

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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.

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#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

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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.

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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

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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.

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#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

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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.)

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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

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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" :)

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#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

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#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

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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.

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#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

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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.

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#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

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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.

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#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

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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.

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#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

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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.

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#31

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

Triggerhappysmf Report

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#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

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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?

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#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

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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

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#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

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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...

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#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

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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.

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#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

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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.

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#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

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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!

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#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

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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.

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#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

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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?

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#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

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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.

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