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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.

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#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

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    #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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    Kevin Erdős–Bacon
    Kevin Erdős–Bacon
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    3 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 😂

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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.

    bourbon_legends , Rhodi Lopez Report

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    Chich
    Chich
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    3 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.
    #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
    Dynein
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    3 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
    Kevin Erdős–Bacon
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    3 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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    kerdosbacon avatar
    Kevin Erdős–Bacon
    Kevin Erdős–Bacon
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    3 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.

    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.

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    #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
    Lovin' Life
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    3 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
    Rita Porkoláb
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    3 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

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    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
    Mike Crow
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    3 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
    Simon Clarke
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    3 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
    Caro Caro
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    3 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.”

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    #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
    Tenacious Squirrel
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    3 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
    Andy Acceber
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    3 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
    Dynein
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    3 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.”

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    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

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    #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
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    3 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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    christineschneider avatar
    Beeps
    Beeps
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    3 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!)."

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    #19

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

    Mandula123 , cottonbro Report

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    #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
    Kaspar Kristiansen
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    3 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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    Kevin Erdős–Bacon
    Kevin Erdős–Bacon
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wouldn't say people accept this as normal. Most people know this is a scam.

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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

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    #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

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    #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
    NsG
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    3 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
    Manndy Fisher
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    3 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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    saragregory0508 avatar
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    NsG
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    3 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

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    #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.

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    #29

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

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    jameskramer avatar
    James016
    James016
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    3 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
    Dynein
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    3 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.

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    K. Lange
    K. Lange
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I use a phone for 170 € and i am totally happy with it.

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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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    barts_1 avatar
    Bart S
    Bart S
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    3 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
    Sue Hazlewood
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    3 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

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    tamsin_far avatar
    Tamsin Far
    Tamsin Far
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    3 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-thornburrow avatar
    Robert T
    Robert T
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    3 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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    dslepenk avatar
    Dasha Slepenkina
    Dasha Slepenkina
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    3 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-thornburrow avatar
    Robert T
    Robert T
    Community Member
    3 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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    jmscargill avatar
    Scagsy
    Scagsy
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    3 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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    erin_16 avatar
    GirlFriday
    GirlFriday
    Community Member
    3 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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    eppetot avatar
    Eppe
    Eppe
    Community Member
    3 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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    #41

    Bottled water. My mom constantly buys it for the convenience and always asks me if I want some, but I constantly tell her I'm not going to pay for something I can get for free. And I refuse to have her buy into it for my sake either.

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    saragregory0508 avatar
    NsG
    NsG
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a scam if the area you are going to has decent potable water. Or if you are a local. There's a reason why certain countries tell tourists not to drink the tap water and to buy bottled instead and it is NOT (always) as scam. Unless you like spending four days of your vacation memorising the tile pattern of the bathroom that is.

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    #42

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

    NegativeKarmaOClock , Monika Stawowy Report

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    saragregory0508 avatar
    NsG
    NsG
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Only if marketed with health benefits. Sold as "this smells nice" it's not a scam.

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    #43

    Having to pay such high prices for feminine products. I feel like health insurance should cover supplying these for women.

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    jo_davies2208 avatar
    Jo Davies
    Jo Davies
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The government should give out to unemployed and school girls, at the very least.

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    #44

    Microtransactions in games that you paid $60 to play in the first place.

    “But I don’t buy them! They don’t affect me”

    Yes, they do. If we don’t say anything, the publishers are going to push for microtransactions in more and more games until you are affected. And then what?

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    jmscargill avatar
    Scagsy
    Scagsy
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pay to win games are worst where you literally need to spend extra money to finish the game. I hate 'In-app purchases' and avoid them like the plague.

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    #45

    When mom says "If you tell the truth, I won't get mad."

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    kirstyskelton avatar
    Kirsty
    Kirsty
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't say that because there are absolutely some things I will be mad about. I tell them to tell me the truth because if you lie to me I'll be mad about the lying and the thing you did, if you tell me the truth it might not even be something I'd get mad at. Also, there's no punishments for accidents, we clean / sort it out together.

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    #46

    Change.org petitions.

    Would you like to donate / spread the word? Would you like to sign up for email notifications? Would you like to submit your own petition? Would you like to tell your friends? Would you like to visit our advertisers? Are you sure you wouldn't like to donate?

    I made an account on there a while back and I got at least 10 emails a day before I deleted my account

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    james_fox1984 avatar
    Foxxy (The Original)
    Foxxy (The Original)
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can just unsubscribe from their emails. You will still have an account with them when you unsubscribe.

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    #47

    Good Life, or any other Networking Gym.

    They are constantly trying to bleed you dry for anyone you know with a phone number they can call to offer a "free trial", where they will ask for more names of others who they can call. So much pressure to give them more people to sell to, feels less like a Gym and more of a MLM.

    It's not what Gyms should aim to be like.

    i_fkin_luv_it_mate Report

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    james_fox1984 avatar
    Foxxy (The Original)
    Foxxy (The Original)
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    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The gym I went to gave you 2 cards to give to friends for a 10 day trial. They didn't ask for people's numbers and if they did, I wouldn't give them any. I actually think it's quite rude to give someone another person's phone number without their permission.

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    #48

    Donating on GoFundMe. The scammy users. You never know if they're pocketing your money or using your money for what they said the cause is.

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

    The real scam is a system that makes people have to rely on a system like GoFundMe for medical bills or college debt.

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    #49

    Government. It takes all your money and promises to fix things for you. Instead it builds weapons, hires a ton of people, and then gives you what tiny little is left over.

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    Ranax
    Ranax
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You mean the US government? Some governments are actually working well, providing education, infrastructure, judicial system, healthcare etc.

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    #50

    Department store credit cards. I know so many young people who are drowning in debt because a perky cashier offered to save them 10% by opening a card.

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    kayblue avatar
    Kay blue
    Kay blue
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to open the account to get the discount, use it once and pay it off, then close the account.

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    #51

    Any finance offers. Banks are just not going to give money away no matter how they put it.

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

    Banks biggest rip off is charging for a rate lock and charging closing costs not based on loan amount. Closing costs in general are a rip off because you're paying them to do the job they're being paid to do anyway. They're going to make a mint off the interest anyway, charging $5k on top of it to fill out paperwork is a scam. And that $5k (for example) is the same if you're borrowing $20K or $200M

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    #52

    Open floorplans: it is an architectural style that sells fewer building materials for more money with the promise of being "stylish" and "great for hosting".

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Foxxy (The Original)
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    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love open floor plans and has nothing to do with style or hosting and everything to do with comfort and my aesthetics. I feel open plans are much brighter and freeing. But that's just me.

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    #53

    Loans and the over reliance on credit. You basically can’t do anything without either having take loans out or use a credit card. Because you can get loans, college tuition (among other things) is more expensive. People are then forced to take on huge debts. I know this is overly simplistic but I think it’s bulls**t that we are forced to be reliant on loans and credit

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    bethsito avatar
    Beth Sito
    Beth Sito
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband and I wanted to buy a house. We were FORCED to get credit cards to establish credit so we could then get credit to qualify for a home loan. The fact that we made decent money and paid our bills on time wasn't enough. It is stupid.

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    #54

    Leasing/Payment Plans- It artificially raises the cost of everything and ensures you are always in debt. Started with stuff like cars and furniture. Cell phones are now on a payment plan or lease only. Your TV, computer, etc. Amazon now give you the option to purchase things via monthly installments.

    Car- $330, Cell phone- $30, Student Loans $250. I am $600 bucks a month in the hole before I have eaten, put gas in my car, or paid insurance.

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    saragregory0508 avatar
    NsG
    NsG
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Genuinely curious - are you complaining about inflation? A second hand car can be bought for a couple of grand. A phone (handset only - communication plans are not payment plans/leases) can be bought for less than a hundred. Not getting into the whole "I'm working three jobs for minimum wage" argument, it's still completely possible to save up and buy these outright. And, sticking with the phone, if you have gone down the payment plan route - the handset is 100% yours at the end of the initial contract, meaning you just need to move on to a sim-only communication plan which are always cheaper because the handset cost is removed. Wanting the latest, wanting new(er), wanting it now - that's where payment plans come into their own. (I don't disagree with the student loan bit).

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    #55

    2 Pokémon games coming out at once that are almost the exact same.

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    wendillon avatar
    Monday
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Eh...it's crappy sure, but I kind of like that. It's fun to trade the game exclusives with a friend. Granted it'd be crappy for people who don't have friends who love pokemon, but for those that do it's been part of the experience for 25 years.

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    #56

    Fancy Italian restruants. Italian food has some of the lowest cost and less diverse menus for main entrees the nicer places charging 20+ per entree pull in mad bank even though their food taste the same as that nice family place near the ymca

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

    Italian food having a low cost input only applies to american "italian" food. Meatballs in tomatoe sauce are as american as it gets even if you put them on spaghetti, and pasta and pizza are considered more of an an appetizer and snack in Italy. If you go for a more authentic experience, the ingredients will jack up the prices. A real "Saltimbocca al la Romana" for example uses a veal steak, authentic Parma ham, freshly cut salvia and a good white wine for the sauce - you will not get that one for a dollar. Even simple pasta dishes often require more exotic ingredients like fresh truffles or seafood. Which, of course, does not change the facts that lost of places additionally inflate their prices.

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