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Scrolling through pages and pages of terms and conditions is perhaps the biggest nuisance in our digital age. At least that's the form of torture I wish upon anyone who has ever wronged me. In my mind, hell is just having to read thousands of words of legal jargon in that irritating small print.

But terms and conditions aren't the only place where we find fine print. Marketers use it more and more to try to dupe their customers into buying their products. Want some watermelon juice? If you don't check the ingredients listed in superfine print, you probably won't know that there's no watermelon in it. Just apples, beetroot, carrots, and ginger.

As absurd as it is, at least it can be funny. That's why we've compiled the most ridiculous reminders of why it's always best to read the fine print from all over the Internet. Let us know in the comments whether they make you laugh or mad, and share your own infuriating examples!

#1

My Parents Bought Me A Doormat And This Was On The Back Of It. Read The Warning

My Parents Bought Me A Doormat And This Was On The Back Of It. Read The Warning

fabricator123 Report

Although many of the examples in this list are humorous, they're also good examples of unethical marketing. Fine print is one of the tactics marketers and companies use to mislead consumers. Ironically, we almost expect brands to deceive us. We're used to looking for information in fine print or tricky wording in ads. But is that really the new standard now?

We reached out to an expert who could shed some light on misleading marketing. Teresa Murray is a consumer watchdog director at the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), and she kindly agreed to explain the importance of transparency in marketing and labeling. We talked about more than just obviously absurd ads but about hidden fees, surprise medical bills, and more serious issues.

#2

Have You Ever Seen Anything So Bold?

Have You Ever Seen Anything So Bold?

dandouglas Report

#3

"Gluten-Free"

"Gluten-Free"

TestZero Report

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How many times have you been duped by an ad or a misleading label, Pandas? If you have, it was probably done by a company that's not very big on transparency. "Transparency is critically important for companies that sell products or services, whether they sell to consumers or other businesses," Teresa Murray tells Bored Panda.

"Companies have a moral obligation to disclose all types of things relevant about a product or service." When you're buying a thing or a food item, the manufacturer should include information about what that product contains. If it's food or a thing that could cause an allergic reaction, companies should include exactly what is in the product.

#4

So It Was A Lie

So It Was A Lie

Droyk Report

#5

Can You Figure Out Why I'm Infuriated Before The 4th Picture?

Can You Figure Out Why I'm Infuriated Before The 4th Picture?

What the literal hell Sergeant's?
PS: Be not concerned with the shampoo color, it became the host bottle for my cat's RX shampoo a long time ago.

beakrake Report

#6

This Olive Oil I Bought Wasn't Even Cheap

This Olive Oil I Bought Wasn't Even Cheap

AsterJ Report

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In cases where the item is a toy, we as consumers should know whether it contains something that could compromise the privacy of a child, like a microphone or camera. And it all should show on the label. Specific details about the quality of the item are also important. "If we're talking bedsheets, what's the thread count?" Murray asks. "If we're talking automobile tires, what's the mileage expectation? If it's an external hard drive, what's the capacity?"

#7

I've Just Found Out That I Have A Wheat Intolerance

I've Just Found Out That I Have A Wheat Intolerance

reddit.com Report

#8

This "Cashmere Blend" Sweater

This "Cashmere Blend" Sweater

tallmin22 Report

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#9

I Was Wondering Why This Watermelon Juice Tasted So Weird

I Was Wondering Why This Watermelon Juice Tasted So Weird

spamtarget Report

Some other questions Murray recommends to keep in mind are: "How much does it cost? Are there extra, mandatory fees? What's the warranty or guarantee? Are there any terms and conditions?"

Considering these questions will make you a well-informed consumer. And a company that answers them on a label or an ad is most likely ethical. "Transparency is important because we're giving our hard-earned money to companies. We need to know exactly what we're paying for," Murray explains.

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#10

My New Pan Is Dishwasher-Safe And Unsafe

My New Pan Is Dishwasher-Safe And Unsafe

KRA2008 Report

#11

Free Beer

Free Beer

chris_kammy Report

#12

How To Disappoint Every Student On Campus

How To Disappoint Every Student On Campus

reddit.com Report

Different industries have their standards and regulations when it comes to ethical marketing. "For example, a vitamin manufacturer is not allowed by law to claim that if you take one of the company's vitamins every day, then you'll live for 1,000 years, even if there's fine print that walks that back," Murray tells Bored Panda. "A toy manufacturer must disclose whether a product contains small parts that could choke a child under three."

#13

Packaging Said "100% Silk"

Packaging Said "100% Silk"

Gumder Report

#14

This Packaging Is Dangerous

This Packaging Is Dangerous

felixbeaudrydesigner Report

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#15

Chris Hemsworth’s Centr App Was Charging People Who Signed Up For Their Free Trial. Looked Into The Fine Print And Found Out Why. I Love Ya Mate But C’mon

Chris Hemsworth’s Centr App Was Charging People Who Signed Up For Their Free Trial. Looked Into The Fine Print And Found Out Why. I Love Ya Mate But C’mon

Tanav11 Report

The Internet is not immune to misleading labeling as well. In an effort to make the cost and price of high-speed internet clear and easy to understand, the FCC has passed a law that goes into effect this year. "Broadband (internet) providers are being required by the Federal Communications Commission to provide 'nutrition labels' as part of their marketing and disclose details about pricing, whether a monthly price is an introductory price, the speed, etc.," Murray explains.

#16

When Shops Advertise $12 Haircuts, But Use Black Lettering For Very Important Fine Print

When Shops Advertise $12 Haircuts, But Use Black Lettering For Very Important Fine Print

XXLchris Report

#17

The Mixed Signals Of This Shoe Sale Advertisement

The Mixed Signals Of This Shoe Sale Advertisement

MNgirlinaNDworld Report

#18

Always Read The Fine Print

Always Read The Fine Print

"Dispose of properly (or Mother Nature's gonna whack us all!) This battery contains no Mercury, Mars or Venus. Each battery is tested before shipping. No animals were harmed during testing unless you consider Paul in QA;-) Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or burns, avoid Sony or Dell laptops & do not disassemble, crush, puncture or short the contacts. TM & © 2009 FastMac. All rights reserved. All other brand names & trademarks belong to their respective owners. If you have read this far, please consider applying for a job in our legal dept."

itsjustnotimportant Report

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The consumer rights expert gives more examples of regulators and lawmakers making sure companies aren't misleading consumers. "Funeral homes aren't allowed to charge for embalming without permission and can't require you to purchase a casket for cremation, even if there's fine print that discloses it's optional."

"Rules on this topic were updated a couple of years ago by the FTC because too many consumers – at a time when people are grief-stricken and vulnerable – weren't being given complete information about a funeral they're planning."

#19

Cool Fine Print On This Donation Center

Cool Fine Print On This Donation Center

otronge Report

#20

Read The Fine Print, After I Had Used 3 Shades On My Eyes

Read The Fine Print, After I Had Used 3 Shades On My Eyes

"Attention, inhale, golden glow, intention, chamomile, best buds, fiddle fig, plantiful, full bloom, clarity, mother earth, night bloom are not intended for use in the immediate eye area."

PeppermintIncense Report

#21

When You Read Ingredient Labels For Fun

When You Read Ingredient Labels For Fun

Zyibat Report

"Manufacturers of infant sleep products aren't allowed to advertise certain types of products intended for sleep if they don't meet safety standards," she goes on. "Before the Safe Sleep for Babies Act passed in 2022, some companies would [advertise] inclined sleepers with a baby on the box with its eyes closed and supposedly dreaming, but the company would try to say they weren't really marketing the product for sleep."

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#22

My Friend Bought Me A Switch Game For My Birthday. The Download Code, Instead Of Being On The Card Itself, Is On The Receipt. He No Longer Has The Receipt

My Friend Bought Me A Switch Game For My Birthday. The Download Code, Instead Of Being On The Card Itself, Is On The Receipt. He No Longer Has The Receipt

imbriandead Report

#23

Making People Think It’s A Park

Making People Think It’s A Park

bobby104402 Report

#24

2nd Birthday Badge Is Potentially A Choking Hazard

2nd Birthday Badge Is Potentially A Choking Hazard

Mozzarella_Firefox Report

It might sound unfair that we must be on the lookout for deceptive marketing constantly. But Teresa Murray says that industry standards and laws are not enough to ensure ethical practices. "Consumers should educate themselves about any product or service of significance that they're considering buying. We're not talking about a pack of gum but a new TV, signing an automobile lease, hiring a landscaper, etc."

#25

The Sweater I Bought Cannot Be Maintained

The Sweater I Bought Cannot Be Maintained

FuzzboarEKKO Report

#26

This Kettle Saves 70% Energy, As Long As You Need To Boil 70% Less Water

This Kettle Saves 70% Energy, As Long As You Need To Boil 70% Less Water

UnlikeSome Report

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#27

Always Check The Fine Print

Always Check The Fine Print

rbrthenderson Report

She then tells us the most vital thing we should be aware of. "Consumers should NEVER sign anything they haven't read – not even with a digital signature. Fine print is an unfortunate reality in today's world. Consumers bear responsibility for protecting themselves because not all companies engage in honest advertising and not all companies even follow state and federal laws."

#28

That Would Explain Why My Ankle Hurts

That Would Explain Why My Ankle Hurts

ASAPxSyndicate Report

#29

Retail Sign At H&M Today. The Small Line Is Hard To Read In Person

Retail Sign At H&M Today. The Small Line Is Hard To Read In Person

DarkRoastt Report

#30

This Is Obviously Not The Men’s Washroom. Can’t You Read The Fine Print In A Dark Entryway?

This Is Obviously Not The Men’s Washroom. Can’t You Read The Fine Print In A Dark Entryway?

MyBelovedASMR Report

"We [have seen] an avalanche of new consumer protection laws in the last couple of years," Murray says. "[They deal] with a range of issues: surprise medical bills, junk fees, airline passenger protections, broadband service, cell phone bills, product safety standards, the list goes on. We're seeing these because too many companies don't behave ethically and honestly all of the time, so lawmakers and regulators step in to better protect consumers' health, safety, and wallets."

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#31

Seriously? Contradictory At Its Finest

Seriously? Contradictory At Its Finest

jkrow17 Report

#32

The Ingredients In This 100% Cranberry Juice

The Ingredients In This 100% Cranberry Juice

Aethermancer Report

#33

I Bought It Because Of The 99-Cent Refill At Dodgers Stadium, But It’s Not Included At Dodgers Stadium

I Bought It Because Of The 99-Cent Refill At Dodgers Stadium, But It’s Not Included At Dodgers Stadium

frankierockz Report

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#34

Bought This Tonight. My Dog Was Eating The Tire, Then I Read The Back

Bought This Tonight. My Dog Was Eating The Tire, Then I Read The Back

GunpowderLullaby Report

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#35

Be Aware Of Who You Donate Your Used Items To

Be Aware Of Who You Donate Your Used Items To

fescue4u Report

#36

This Is Not Vitamin D. It's An Emoji On A Bottle Of Magnesium

This Is Not Vitamin D. It's An Emoji On A Bottle Of Magnesium

archfapper Report

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#37

You’ve Got To Be Kidding Me

You’ve Got To Be Kidding Me

nuttybuddy Report

#38

I Can't Wait To Try The New Flavor. Should Have Read The Small Print, I Guess

I Can't Wait To Try The New Flavor. Should Have Read The Small Print, I Guess

The_RockObama Report

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#39

Well Played, Well Played

Well Played, Well Played

scorchednickel Report

#40

I Bought These Protein Bars Because I Love Strawberries, Only To Find Out They Don’t Actually Contain Strawberries

I Bought These Protein Bars Because I Love Strawberries, Only To Find Out They Don’t Actually Contain Strawberries

EvilishMystic Report

#41

Check The Fine Print

Check The Fine Print

inkspring Report

#42

This Is A Reminder To Read All Fine Print When There Is Money Involved

This Is A Reminder To Read All Fine Print When There Is Money Involved

RanshyPanshy Report

#43

It Says "Warning: Small Parts, Choking Hazard. Not Intended For Children Under 5 Years Of Age"

It Says "Warning: Small Parts, Choking Hazard. Not Intended For Children Under 5 Years Of Age"

Flukeynuke Report

#44

Ah, Of Course, A 99-Cent Sale. Wait, What Does The Fine Print Say?

Ah, Of Course, A 99-Cent Sale. Wait, What Does The Fine Print Say?

Wonky-Drive Report

#45

Yeah, That's Logical

Yeah, That's Logical

spraynardkrug3r Report

#46

IKEA Needed To Indicate Their Cinnamon Buns Are Not 10 Feet In Diameter For $1.50

IKEA Needed To Indicate Their Cinnamon Buns Are Not 10 Feet In Diameter For $1.50

reddit.com Report

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#47

Boyfriend Got Really Excited, Then Looked Like He Was Going To Cry

Boyfriend Got Really Excited, Then Looked Like He Was Going To Cry

fionasank Report

#48

Is That Really Free Delivery?

Is That Really Free Delivery?

theskyopened Report

#49

Fine Print

Fine Print

NotUniqueUsernameee Report

#50

My Sugar-Free Soda Has Sugar In It

My Sugar-Free Soda Has Sugar In It

CptGoldfish556 Report

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