10 Unethical Ways to Save Money That You Won’t Believe People Actually Do

When it comes to saving money, many people are willing to go to great lengths to cut costs. However, some individuals resort to unethical methods in order to keep more money in their pockets.

Financial Gain

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From stealing from their workplace to committing tax fraud, these individuals prioritize their own financial gain over ethical behavior. While these actions may seem like a quick frugal living fix, they can have serious legal and reputational consequences.

1. Shoplifting

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One user admitted to stealing food from a grocery store when they were short on cash. They justified their actions by saying that they only stole necessities and not luxuries. Another user shared how they used to steal DVDs from a popular retailer, saying they only took them because they couldn’t afford to buy them.

2. Scamming

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Some people go to great lengths to avoid paying for goods and services. One user shared how they used to buy a new phone, replace it with an old one, and return it for a refund. Another user shared how they would dine at a restaurant and then dispute the charge with their credit card company, claiming that the food was unsatisfactory.

3. Skipping Payments

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Some people believe that skipping payments is a legitimate way to save money. One user admitted to not paying their rent for several months, forcing their landlord to evict them. They saw this as a way to save money on rent and move in with friends. Another user shared how they would pretend to have lost their receipt to get a refund from a store, even though they had never actually made the purchase.

4. Lying on Applications

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Lying on applications is a common way people try to save money. One user shared how they would falsify their income on credit card applications to get approved for higher limits. Another user admitted to lying about their medical history to get a cheaper life insurance premium.

5. Taking Advantage of Loopholes

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Finally, some people take advantage of loopholes in the system to save money. One user shared how they would take advantage of a promotion that offered free food for completing a survey. They would complete the survey multiple times under different names to get free food for themselves and their friends. Another user shared how they would use multiple email addresses to get free trial subscriptions to streaming services.

6. Taking Advantage of Return Policies

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Some people abuse return policies to save money. One person confessed that they would purchase an expensive dress, wear it to a party, and then return it the next day. Another individual shared that they would buy a coffee machine, use it for a month, and then return it under the pretense that it was defective.

7. Exploiting Others

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Some people exploit others to save money. One person admitted that they would visit car dealerships, pretend to be interested in purchasing a car, and then test drive the vehicle. Afterward, they would pretend to have changed their mind and leave without making a purchase. This would waste the salesperson’s time and resources. Another person shared that they would buy concert tickets, attend the show, and then claim that the ticket was fraudulent, resulting in a chargeback.

8. Abusing Discounts

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Many stores offer discounts for students, senior citizens, or members of the military. However, some people take advantage of these discounts to save money dishonestly. One person shared that they would use their old student ID to get discounts even though they were no longer in school. Another person said they would use a friend’s military ID to get discounts even though they were not a veteran.

9. Stealing From the Workplace

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Some people save money by stealing from their workplaces. One person confessed to taking office supplies and snacks from the break room. Another individual said they would claim overtime for hours they did not work.

10. Cheating the System

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Finally, some people cheat the system to save money. One person shared that they would park in handicapped spots without a permit to avoid paying for parking. Another individual said they would use a friend’s Netflix account instead of paying for their own subscription.

 

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Source

This article is inspired by the internet and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of A Dime Saved.

This article was produced and syndicated by A Dime Saved.

Hi! I am a millennial mom with a passion for personal finance. I have always been “into” personal finance but got inspired to start my blog after a period of extended unemployment. That experience really changed the way I viewed my relationship with money and the importance of accessible personal finance education.