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The whole purpose of marketing is to make a product desirable and to give the customer something that fulfills their needs, but I think it's fair to say that these big companies don't give a sh*t about you.

The marketing techniques on display here are not designed for building trust, repeat business, and goodwill, they are shameless attempts to squeeze as much cash as possible out of unwitting consumers! From dishonest product packaging and clever ads designed to manipulate, to hidden disclaimers and barefaced lies, it's really quite shocking how low some big brands will go for an extra few bucks.

We here at Bored Panda have compiled a list of the worst false advertising offenders, so you know what to look out for in the big, bad world of cut-throat capitalism. Scroll down below to check them out for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!

#1

Just As I Suspected At Starbucks - At Every Place I've Worked, All Have Said They Recycle. None Do

Just As I Suspected At Starbucks - At Every Place I've Worked, All Have Said They Recycle. None Do

NealSnow Report

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#2

I Was Wondering Why I Seem To Go Through Deodorant So Fast. This Is Brand New, Never Been Used (Labels Removed)

I Was Wondering Why I Seem To Go Through Deodorant So Fast. This Is Brand New, Never Been Used (Labels Removed)

CHESTER_C0PPERP0T Report

#3

Quaker Oatmeal Advertises 35% Less Sugar, But In Reality They're Just Selling 35% Smaller Portions - But For The Same Price

Quaker Oatmeal Advertises 35% Less Sugar, But In Reality They're Just Selling 35% Smaller Portions - But For The Same Price

AthleticNerd_ Report

#4

If You Think You Can Read It From The Top Shelf, You're Wrong

If You Think You Can Read It From The Top Shelf, You're Wrong

down-to-mars-girl Report

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Nadine Ducca
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seeing this fallacy makes me really mad because I live in Barcelona and we have excellent olive oil. >:-( That a company would do this and in such a surreptitious way with dark letters against a dark background makes me shake my head. And they have the balls to call themselves "Iberia."

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#5

These Smoothie Packets. Easy To Make, Just Add The Entire Smoothie

These Smoothie Packets. Easy To Make, Just Add The Entire Smoothie

FredChocoBear Report

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Nadine Ducca
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LMAO! So what the hell is in the packet? Just sugar? Oh, and I love how they point out that strawberries "are an excellent source of vitamin C", as if their product contained any!

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#6

This Is Next Level

This Is Next Level

Pyatnica Report

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Mark Smallman
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But it does have the "size" 300ml clearly on the front so you could at least make a comparison compared to other brands.

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#8

Seriously? Contradictory At Its Finest

Seriously? Contradictory At Its Finest

jkrow17 Report

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#9

This Balloon

This Balloon

cybergrub Report

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Martti Laurson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is physically impossible. That would mean, the printed area did not expand at all.

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#12

I Was Misled

I Was Misled

roniza Report

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Al Bo
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't agree with this one on the list. For those unaware, that center mechanism is to help squeeze the tube appropriately (whether or not it maximizes emptying it in the end it's unknown). I'm not familiar with this brand but have used others, and the packaging (usually a cardboard back) would've made it clear that about that shell.

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#13

Make Up Your Mind Tide

Make Up Your Mind Tide

valifay Report

#14

Family Friend Hired Spongebob For A Birthday Party. On The Left - What Was Promised, On The Right - What Appeared (A Man Covered In Sponges)

Family Friend Hired Spongebob For A Birthday Party. On The Left - What Was Promised, On The Right - What Appeared (A Man Covered In Sponges)

toss_my_potatoes Report

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Nadine Ducca
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even though it's definitely NOT what has hired or expected, I think the guy did a pretty good DIY job with the costume.

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#15

"You're Gonna Pay For That Free Coffee, Aren't You?"

"You're Gonna Pay For That Free Coffee, Aren't You?"

GallowPlaceholder Report

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#17

Includes A "Private Balcony." Is Just A View Of The Wall Of The Next Building

Includes A "Private Balcony." Is Just A View Of The Wall Of The Next Building

Jagokoz Report

#18

The "Cancel Uninstalation" Button Is In Green

The "Cancel Uninstalation" Button Is In Green

tiltedlens Report

#19

Bought Some “Floam” Like Substance For My Daughter For $5. Just Wow. She Cried

Bought Some “Floam” Like Substance For My Daughter For $5. Just Wow. She Cried

chagoscifres Report

#20

It's Illegal Not To Have A Link No? Let's Write It In White

It's Illegal Not To Have A Link No? Let's Write It In White

antokop Report

#22

The Color Of "Up To" Makes It Almost Impossible To See From A Distance, Especially With Glare. Thanks, Old Navy

The Color Of "Up To" Makes It Almost Impossible To See From A Distance, Especially With Glare. Thanks, Old Navy

CivilizedPsycho Report

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RaroaRaroa
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

By now, if we see these signs we should automatically know there's an "up to" there somewhere. My kid has been able to spot the "up to"s since she was about 7. I'm probably raising her a bit too skeptical, but better than being too gullible.

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#23

Inside The Package Of A Drone My Parents Got Me For Christmas

Inside The Package Of A Drone My Parents Got Me For Christmas

burningriverallstar Report

#24

Disguising Ads As System Warnings In The Operating System Is Truly A**hole Design

Disguising Ads As System Warnings In The Operating System Is Truly A**hole Design

jimoconnell Report

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birdhouse
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I clicked on one that said it was a Microsoft update at work and walked away as it said it would take 30 min to install. To my surprise when I got back it was a screen that said "Chicks with d***s" and said if I don't give money for them to uninstall it wouldn't stop. I was a little upset as the "Chicks" d**k was bigger than mine.

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#25

Thanks, I Feel So Special And Cozy Now

Thanks, I Feel So Special And Cozy Now

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Anouk
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awwww. That's so lovely. I'd far prefer to come and unsubscribe personally - with a baseball bat - anyway.

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#26

Oh, Thanks! Wait... What?

Oh, Thanks! Wait... What?

SoySauce_McGiggles Report

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Randy Inbred
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this meant to be a joke tip for a waiter/waitress? If so it's incredibly bad taste. Those guys work their asses off for little money, no benefits and little job security. They rely on tips for their livelihood. Wonder how the creator of this gem would feel if someone replaced the cash in his wallet with a few of these?

Bored Fox
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is impossible to tell from this picture who did this. But I know that some religious groups have done this many times - they print fake money, spread it everywhere and if someone takes the money they see that it is just an advertisement about Jesus stuff.

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Lisa Shelton
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Christian, this is one of those heinous holier-than-thou moves that really pisses me off. Spreading the word is one thing but using this is just being cheap and selfish, and trying to cover it up by pretending to be pious.

Megan Linde
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a huge church group (15+ people) do this to me once. Designer handbags, tailored suits, diamonds you could choke on and they left me $0. Aren't "Christians" nice?

송희별
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Christian, I am so sorry this happened to you. They should be ashamed. Christians are taught be generous and yet those disgraceful “Christians” are being hypocritical. I hope you never experience anything like this and again I apologize on their behalf

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SarahofBorg
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If money is so worthless to that customer as they claim, the server would be happy to liberate it from them.

Mika N
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This makes me so mad, I'm a Christian and don't think there's any excuse for this. Was always taught to be generous and show love. This is just someone using Christianity as an excuse to be greedy and yet feel holy.

athornedrose
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

sure, there are things more valuable than money, but to obtain them you need to stay alive with food, clothing, shelter etc long enough to find those things....all that costs actual money!

Virgil Blue
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From the wording it's probably a religious themed thing. A trick to look good to the people next to them and stiff the waiting staff out of a tip while preaching at them.

P.Brux FHell
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is just a d**k move. The person who did this is an a*****e

Jonathan Eatsalot
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"DON'T BE FOOLED!".............................as you are being fooled

Sanne H.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a bit off topic, but I just wanted to say that I think it's sad that you have to rely on tips while working for a boss. A boss should always pay its workers properly.

BusLady
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find these "tracts" offensive. They use scare tactics and brainwashing to try and "convert" people to religion. They know that 99.9 percent of people would pick up what they think is actual money.

Teresa Zuiani
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ive seen these before (21yrs ago when i delivered pizza i got one)...it was a Bible tract. That is "the tip greater than money". Of course the gentleman who gave this tip put another $20 inside. It was a nice sentiment, of course I would have rather had yhe second $20!

Ryan-Michele Eagleton
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do Christians think this is a good idea? How do they not realize what a d**k move it is? Servers rely on tips to survive, and you're going to trick them with fake money in order to evangelize to them??? That's so f*****g rude. But that doesn't surprise me much; very "Christian" move right there (not trying to hate on ALL Christians, I realize there are millions of great ones out there, but Christianity is the only religion I've ever seen where its members evangelize so goddamn obnoxiously).

Fiona Messenger
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm OK with leaving "messages" for waiting staff *as long as you leave real money with it!*

Basil
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm mostly just surprised there are people here who haven't seen this before. I guess one just gets used to these kinds of religious shenanigans growing up in the deep south.

A.R.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I got one of these before too and I was thoroughly offended. Waitressing can be very difficult and to get one of these fakes esp. after a hard day of work made me so depressed. didn't think to highly of Christians that day either.

Alex Craig
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it's a god/religious thing, and yes it is in bad taste on a lot of levels.

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

People who consider themselves 'godly' pull this sh*t. When they die, they'll see pearly gates and be so excited. When they open, it'll be the entrance to hell. In that moment they'll know how their waiter/waitress felt.

Hans Englich
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the idipt he give this I want he have same on Account after one moth!!!

Jane Alexander
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes there is something more valuable than money, it's called integrity.

Sara Kate MacFarland
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...was this left by a 'religious' customer...or just some idiot salesman?? Either way...not good, no bueno!

Azziza
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is seriously infuriating. Either don't leave a tip at all (a*****e) or a real tip. I'm so angry right now!

Ruth Guerra-Mc Intosh
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is pathetic whats more valuable 'IN THIS WORLD' than money? you need it to support a family, pay rent/mortgage , pay student loans and EAT.....

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

Yeah that really sucks for people who really need money. Very poor taste !!

Arran Walker
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This doesn’t match the topic of this slideshow. It’s just a s****y religious nutjob leaving fake tips.

Stannous Flouride
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On my job as a walking tour guide last year I found a rolled up bill. I expected it to be one of these religious tracts but it turned out to contain a little note that said, "May your day be filled with health, wealth, and happiness :-)" It's still in my wallet but it inspired me to do the same to 10 more bills that I left around S.F.

Jake Lutick
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen these. Basically "advertisements" for Christianity. Weird. But I can't say anything, because two of my friends are Christian.

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#27

Only A Little Misleading

Only A Little Misleading

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#28

You Have To Click "No" To Continue The Uninstall

You Have To Click "No" To Continue The Uninstall

whatthehellisplace Report

#29

The Mug That Won't Fall Over

The Mug That Won't Fall Over

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#30

This Cup “Full” Of Candy

This Cup “Full” Of Candy

tapdawg Report

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

This has happened to me once. Trashy Easter treat baskets... I like the basket tho. Its a very nice basket!!

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