When it comes to saving money, many people are willing to go to great lengths to cut costs. But sometimes, those efforts cross a moral, or even legal, line.
In an effort to save money, some individuals prioritize their own financial gain over ethical behavior.
While these actions may seem like clever shortcuts or frugal hacks, they can carry serious consequences.
A Dime Saved does not recommend or endorse any of the behaviors described in this article.
1. Shoplifting
Some justify shoplifting by claiming they only take what they “need,” such as food or toiletries, rather than luxuries. Others have stolen items like DVDs, arguing that their financial situation left them no other option. Regardless of the justification, shoplifting remains illegal and ethically problematic.
2. Scamming
Scams come in many forms. For example, buying a new phone, swapping it with an old one, and returning it for a refund. Or dining at a restaurant, then disputing the charge with the credit card company on false grounds. These behaviors rely on deception and undermine trust in systems designed to protect consumers.
3. Skipping Payments
Skipping out on payments, whether it’s rent, utility bills, or merchandise, can sometimes be rationalized as a way to “buy time” or “save money.” Some have even deliberately avoided paying rent for months, using the delay to live for free before eviction. Others might fake losing a receipt to obtain a refund for something they never purchased. These actions are not just unethical—they’re often fraudulent.
4. Lying on Applications
Falsifying information on applications is another way people attempt to stretch their budgets. For instance, exaggerating income to qualify for a higher credit card limit, or lying about medical history to secure a lower life insurance premium. It may seem like a harmless white lie, but it’s still fraud, and it carries risks.
5. Taking Advantage of Loopholes
Promotional loopholes are a popular target. Some people exploit offers like “free food for completing a survey,” repeating the process under different names to stock up on freebies. Others use multiple email addresses to get unlimited trial periods on subscription services. While technically within the rules, these tactics push ethical boundaries.
6. Taking Advantage of Return Policies
Retailers often have generous return policies, and some take full advantage. For example, buying an expensive outfit, wearing it once, and returning it the next day. Or purchasing a high-end appliance, using it for weeks, and then claiming it’s defective. These habits abuse company policies and contribute to higher prices for all consumers.
7. Exploiting Others
Some tactics involve outright exploitation of people. Pretending to shop for a car just to take a test drive, with no intention to buy, wastes a salesperson’s time and resources. Attending a concert and later disputing the ticket charge to get money back is another example of manipulating the system at someone else’s expense.
8. Abusing Discounts
Stores frequently offer discounts to students, seniors, or military personnel, but some people misuse these perks. Using an expired student ID or borrowing a friend’s military ID just to score a deal may feel like a harmless fib, but it takes advantage of programs meant for specific groups.
9. Stealing From the Workplace
Workplace theft is another area where ethical lines are crossed. This includes taking office supplies or snacks home, or falsely claiming overtime for hours not actually worked. These actions not only hurt businesses, they can also lead to disciplinary action or legal trouble.
10. Cheating the System
In an effort to dodge fees, some resort to cheating the system entirely, parking in handicapped spots without a permit to avoid paying for parking, for example. Or using someone else’s streaming account instead of paying for a subscription. These decisions may seem like minor infractions, but they reflect a willingness to exploit others for personal gain.
