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Are you being taken for a ride?
In today’s modern society, it can be tough to tell.
From the miscellaneous fees on everything from electronic purchases to grocery store billings to slick marketing tactics that have us shelling out our hard-earned cash without so much as a blink of an eye, the world is full of swindlers cleverly disguised as trustworthy businessmen and women.
Don’t fall for their tricks; read on to learn about twelve common scams and ways people are getting scammed every day!
1. Bottled Water
Bottled water is ridiculously overpriced, sometimes up to 500 times more than from the tap!
Plus, research has found that most bottled water contains contaminants and pollutants.
To avoid getting taken for a ride, opt for water filtration systems or refillable bottles instead.
2. Dating Apps
Dating apps are becoming increasingly popular for connecting singles, but they can also be a playground for scammers.
It’s important to look out for any red flags in conversations or profiles that may indicate someone is not being honest.
Be sure to ask many questions, read reviews before signing up with any dating service, and never give out personal information!
3. Diamonds: The Price of Love and a Limb
Numerous folks complain about the ridiculous cost of diamonds and, ultimately, engagement rings. A ring must cost an arm and a leg, or it needs to be better.
The diamond ring tradition is young, yet it has become a prevalent cultural norm. But hey, at least the diamond industry is booming!
4. Donating to the Rich and Famous: A Cautionary Tale
Donations are an excellent way of giving back to society. However, you must always be mindful of to who you donate money.
As one user mentions, you better avoid expecting influential figures with private jets to use the donation money well.
5. The Mystery of the Unchanged Property Rates
Inflation is inevitable, but some price increases sometimes make no sense.
For example, as someone points out, it is ridiculous that rent increases due to “market value” when the property rates stay the same!
6. Lavish Nuptials for One Day
Imagine getting married to your significant other is the only way to validate your relationship. What’s worse is the social expectation to throw a lavish wedding.
Numerous people express their discontent with expensive weddings. It makes little sense to celebrate marriage in such a luxurious way for just one day and for the entertainment of others.
7. MLM: Multi-Level Menace
Multi-level marketing schemes are popular scams that can even get the best of us. One person shares how they were contacted by someone on LinkedIn who wanted to discuss a side hustle opportunity.
After questioning it, the MLM representative asked questions about distrusting the information via Google. Unfortunately, many MLM schemes are centered around preying on vulnerable individuals.
8. The Lottery: State-Sponsored Gambling for the Poor
The lottery has been around for long enough to pass as the norm.
However, as someone aptly describes, it’s just state-sponsored gambling for low-income people. The irony is that folks who can least afford it spend the most on it.
9. College Tuition: Paying to Make Money
Getting a college education is a point of contention for many. While some degrees are beneficial, many are not.
Plus, as one person points out, it is absurd that you have to spend an insane amount of money on college tuition before you can even make money.
10. Life in the Rat Race
All work, no play – this is the motto of today’s world. Many forum members highlight how it has been normalized to waste most of life working.
You start from the age of 18 and stop when you are 65. And before you know it, all of your life has gone by without you having time for yourself.
11. The Unaffordable Health Care Dilemma
The insurance system is made extremely difficult to navigate. The profit-maximization approach of the insurance industry makes healthcare unaffordable.
As someone states, emergency rooms fill up, and rates are increased further to subsidize those who can’t afford the treatment. Plus, seeing an affordable family doctor without insurance is virtually impossible. What do you think? Did the internet get this right, or do you have something to add to this list?
12. Homeopathy: The Placebo Effect or Filler Tablets?
Homeopathy is surprisingly popular for a remedy that is just a placebo. Someone calls the homeopathy medication “filler tablets.”
However, a second user responds by saying that continuing with homeopathy is no harm if the placebo effect is working. However, one shouldn’t forsake medical treatment when relying on homeopathy.
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This thread inspired this post.
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.