In this consumer-driven world where objects compete for the contents of our wallets, advertisements, and packaging play a critical role in attracting our attention. And while there's nothing wrong with healthy competition, there are far too many instances when advertisements veer into the realm of deception, leading us astray with false promises and misleading claims. From products that give the impression of being environmentally friendly only to reveal they are the exact opposite, to public toilets that won't allow you to take toilet paper until you watch an ad on your phone, we have covered them all!
These Toilet Wipes Should Be Avoided at All Costs!
This Tesco product is deceptive in the worst possible way. On the front of the package, displayed proudly in big blue letters, it boldly proclaims, "Flushable Toilet Wipes." But, if you glance at the back of the package, hidden amongst the fine print, it says, "Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects." How's that for a curveball? When flushed down the toilet, these innocent-looking wipes could potentially wreak havoc on our fragile aquatic ecosystems.
The unsuspecting consumer, lured in by the promise of convenience, hands over their hard-earned cash without realizing they have been tricked into buying something harmful to the environment!
Doritos Thinks We’re All Fools!
The delightful world of marketing, where big promises sometimes leave us scratching our heads in disbelief. Thanks to their new "bigger bag," this Doritos "more to share" promotion, is so deceptive. The mere thought of more cheesy nacho goodness for the same price has us licking our lips as we scramble for the loose change in our pockets. But when something seems too good to be true, it usually is!
If you look closely at the new, "bigger bag" compared with the original bag, they both have a net weight of 500 g. They're exactly the same! You're lying to us, Doritos!
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Show Me the Shopping Mall!
You can't even wash your hands these days without being bombarded with endless advertising. I mean, what's the world coming to? When you wash your hands at this shopping mall's public restroom, instead of having a mirror in front of you, there's a screen showing advertisements. Even washing your hands has become an opportunity for marketers to snatch our fleeting moments of solitude. Get used to it. They never miss an opportunity!
This bizarre and slightly invasive intrusion into our private moments is way over the top. And apart from the ceaseless onslaught of marketing, how am I supposed to fix my hair?
Uncovering the Truth
Here we have an eco-pen boasting its noble mission to save the planet one stroke at a time. Its outer layer is covered in paper, so you can feel better about the planet while writing your letters. But it turns out that this eco-pen is packed with as much plastic as any other pen. When you remove the deceptive paper layer from the outside, there's a tailor-made plastic body inside designed to fool you.
This deceptive eco-pen epitomizes the challenge of navigating a world saturated with hollow sustainability claims. It's hard not to feel disappointed when you've fallen for yet another marketing ploy.
We’re Confused. Are They for Standing or Sitting?
It appears the world of air travel has taken yet another peculiar turn. Imagine boarding a plane, excited for your journey, only to be met with a sight that leaves you scratching your head in disbelief: standing seats! I mean, are you standing or sitting? We get that the idea is to squeeze as many people into the plane as possible so airlines can maximize profits, but we're not bloody sardines!
Because these cramped contraptions are not designed with your comfort in mind, the product designer tried to make the standing experience more comfortable by adding seats. A slight contradiction!
Don’t Even Try to Get Comfortable!
Whoever designed these seats doesn't want you to get too comfortable. They look like they're in the food court of a mall, where there is usually a high volume of people. So by having uncomfortable seats, people will eat their meal and move on to make way for the next customer. Enjoying a meal takes a backseat to the relentless rhythm of turnover. And these angled seats are sure to keep you moving.
These seats will definitely not attract any groups of teenagers who may be just killing time with their friends. No, these horrid seats are for paying customers only!
There Must Be Another Way to Sell This Product!
Wow! Logitech really wants this tiny unifying receiver to look big. The amount of plastic packaging around this miniature device is shocking. There seems to be 20 times more plastic in the packaging than in the product itself. It's like a small person trying to be noticed in a room full of giants! This product aims to bring convenience and connectivity to our lives, but at what cost to the environment?
In this age of heightened awareness about sustainability and the urgent need to reduce our plastic consumption, Logitech's packaging choices seem out of touch with the times. Get it together, Logitech!
Don’t Forget to Take Your Phone With You!
This one is hilarious! If you use this toilet and want to wipe your butt, you have to scan the QR code on the toilet paper dispenser with your phone and watch an ad before receiving some toilet paper. You can't even enjoy some private time on the toilet these days without being bombarded with relentless attempts to sell you an innovative kitchen gadget you never knew you needed.
This over-the-top attempt to force people to watch their ads seems like blackmail to me. You can't attend to your basic hygiene needs without doing what they want first. Where will it end?
The French Farm Is Trying to Fool You!
This glass container is so deceptive. While it looks full to the brim with fragrant herbs, if you look underneath, the base goes up into the jar, so its volume is much lower. This jar leads us to believe that we're getting a generous quantity of herbs when, in reality, a significant portion of the container is filled with empty space. Watch out for this label from "The French Farm" in the future.
This deceptive glass container raises questions about transparency and consumer trust. Our purchasing decisions are influenced by what we see. When a product appears full, we expect it to be so!
Cheat Food!
If you wish to unsubscribe from receiving "Brain Food" emails, you are asked to consider donating to them. But if you hit the unsubscribe button without selecting one of the three donation amounts, you are told to choose one option to proceed. By restricting the ability to sever the email ties unless a donation is selected, unsubscribing becomes a transaction rather than a voluntary choice. The freedom to opt has become a financial obligation.
It seems that whoever came up with this blackmail strategy has eaten a little too much brain food. Conning people into handing over their hard-earned cash is so shameful!
Good Luck Finding a Seat on This Bench During Rush Hour!
Whoever designed this bench certainly didn't take functionality into account. The bench is long enough to seat about ten people, but you can barely fit one or two people on each end because of its design. I mean, I'm all up for modern art in public spaces if that's what this is. But try telling that to the old lady weighed down with shopping bags as she waits for the bus!
It's a classic case of prioritizing aesthetics over practicality. Surely providing a comfortable seating option for multiple individuals would serve better than something that's supposed to be visually pleasing.
The Hidden Truth
When you look at the label on this necktie, it clearly reads "Silk." But it's not until you take it home that you realize you have been deceived. The manufacturers have conveniently hidden the top half of the label inside the tie. And when revealed, it reads "Imitation." What you thought was a bargain turns out to be a cheap imitation. It's never nice to realize that you have been conned.
Conning people is not something to be proud of. But judging by the state of this particular tie, the owner probably wore it for many years without realizing it wasn't actually silk!
A Strawberry Milkshake Without the Strawberries!
These strawberry shakes look so tasty. Full to the brim with creamy goodness and loads of lovely strawberry syrup. But it's not until you drink it down that you realize you've been conned. The plastic container has been designed with red markings on the sides, giving the illusion of a strawberry-filled drink. Essentially, you've just drunk a glass of milk! There was never any strawberry syrup, to begin with.
Why go to such lengths to create the illusion of flavor? Are the manufacturers aware of the disappointment that awaits the unsuspecting drinker? They're obviously not interested in repeat customers!
This Power Bank Needs a Downsize!
This power bank has eight batteries in it, but only three of them are actually connected. Why design a power bank so big? The size alone suggests a substantial power capacity, promising convenience, and reliability. But that's not the case. It turns out that this power bank will run out of steam in no time. Let's hope it's not being used to power some poor unfortunate person's wheelchair or something.
The illusion of greater power and capacity was probably very enticing for this unsuspecting customer. But when something doesn't deliver on its promise, most of us are just left feeling deflated.
Natural Brown Nonsense!
In big letters, this product clearly states on the front of its packaging, "Natural Brown Sugar." But it's not until you flip the package over and read the small print that you find out "Natural Brown Sugar" is only a brand name/trademark and does not represent the product's true nature. It's a subtle deception that leaves a bitter aftertaste, highlighting the manipulative power of marketing. In other words, you've been cheated!
Using this phrase as a brand name or trademark, the manufacturer capitalizes on the positive associations consumers have with the word “natural.” But there's nothing natural about this product at all!
Scotch Super-Spoof!
Have you ever picked up a bottle like this and wondered why it felt so light? Well, here's your answer. This bottle of Scotch superglue appears to be good value for money thanks to its generous size. But when the bottle is split open, a much smaller tube of glue is revealed on the inside. What seemed like a great deal was nothing more than a clever packaging strategy!
So, the next time you encounter a product packaged like this, trust your instincts. If it feels light, then you're probably being conned. It turns out that size really does matter!
I Didn’t Know Walmart Was on the Front Line!
This Walmart T-shirt is a little bit arrogant. This iconic image originally showed American soldiers lifting the American flag. But here, the soldiers have been replaced by scientists, doctors, nurses... and Walmart workers! How can they even begin to put Walmart workers in the same category as the others? While it is vital to recognize the valuable efforts of essential workers, including Walmart workers in the same category is going a little too far!
During the pandemic, front-line workers like doctors and nurses worked around the clock to provide for the sick while putting themselves at risk. I'm pretty sure Walmart closed its doors!
The Art of Deception Gone Wrong
Here, we have another morally compromised company pulling on our heartstrings to sell their lies. This cosmetics bottle appears to be made of paper and even says, "Hello, I'm a paper bottle" down the side. But as you can see, when the paper bottle is cut open, there is a plastic bottle inside! Any illusion of eco-friendliness is completely shattered, leaving you feeling deceived and annoyed. They should be ashamed of themselves!
The hidden plastic bottle undermines the genuine efforts of those seeking to reduce plastic waste and highlights the deceptive practices employed by some companies. Shoppers are left feeling betrayed by the deception.
The Need for Speed!
Profit-hungry servers are using sneaky tactics to capitalize on our need for instant communication. If you want to send an email and have it delivered instantly, it will cost you 43 cents using this particular server. Otherwise, you can pay nothing, but the email won't be delivered for up to four hours. Their scheme preys on our desire for efficiency, putting a price tag on speed unless you want to wait in line.
Those with deeper pockets enjoy the luxury of immediate communication, while others are left to wait in frustration. If you want to compete in this fast-paced world, it will cost you!
Have You Got Ancient Parents?
Surely this advertisement is not supposed to be serious. At first glance, the ad seems very charitable. It reads, "Free meal to anyone over 80 years old," which is a lovely idea. But then, this seemingly heartwarming advertisement takes a dark turn. At the bottom of the banner, in smaller print, it states, "If accompanied by both parents!" How many 80-year-olds do you know with both parents still alive?
The ad's intended tone seems to be one of lightheartedness and wit. When something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Let's hope someone gets a free meal out of it!
Always Read the Small Print
This packaging is so deceptive. When you look at this sheet set, you first notice the big black letters on a golden background written across the center of the package that says, "100% Egyptian Cotton." You'd be a fool not to buy it, and probably at a bargain price. But then you notice some smaller print just above the fabulous golden stripe, so you squint a little and take a closer look.
The small, insignificant print states, "Comparable to the feel and touch of." It's only then that you realize you're being conned. These sheets are only comparable to 100% Egyptian Cotton!
Be Careful Which Coffee Maker You Choose
If you are thinking of buying a Keurig coffee maker, you probably think you will be able to enjoy your favorite coffee brands hassle-free from the comfort of your own home. Well, think again! As this person found out, the only coffee the Keurig coffee maker brews is Keurig coffee. Unfortunately, the promise of convenience can sometimes come with unexpected limitations. But let's be honest; it's a smart way to increase Keurig coffee sales!
So either learn to enjoy the taste of Keurig coffee or switch back to good old reliable instant coffee! Or choose a coffee maker that allows you to explore different brands.
One Roll to Rule Them All!
Here's a picture that demonstrates the unnecessary waste we allow into our homes on a regular basis. Believe it or not, these twelve rolls have the same amount of toilet paper as this bigger one. In our fast-paced and consumer-driven world, it's common to encounter products packaged in larger quantities. It leads us to believe that we're getting more value for our money. But, in fact, we're just creating more waste.
The compactness of the larger roll reveals a truth hidden behind the excessive packaging. I mean, why not have larger toilet paper rolls in our homes? What are we afraid of?
A Room Without A View!
Huge billboard advertisements have completely taken over this city corner block. Now the people living inside can no longer look out their windows to enjoy the sights surrounding them. Bustling cityscape views are now replaced by oversized advertisements that prioritize commercial interests over the well-being of the people inside. Billboards now dominate the city skyline. This prime commercial space is probably worth much more to the landlord than the well-being of his tenants.
The people who call this city corner block home are being deprived of the natural sunlight, the changing seasons, and the vibrant energy that once breathed life into their surroundings.
Why Is My Ice Cream Hollow?
Gone are the days when the old man in the corner shop down the street would serve you a cup of ice cream that was absolutely overflowing. They were so big you had a pain in your belly afterward, but you still went back for more the next day! These days, though, as you can see from this picture, ice cream parlors will give you half the amount for double the price!
It's disheartening to witness the shift in ice cream parlors' approach as they prioritize profit margins over the sheer delight of their customers. It's no wonder there are no more repeat customers.
Well, Which Is It?
This juice carton seems to be contradicting itself. The big, bold letters at the top proudly declare that it contains 100% juice, painting a picture of pure, natural goodness. But wait, if we direct our attention to the fine print below, we are met with a different story. In significantly smaller letters, it reveals that the juice content is a mere 27%. So is it 100% juice or not real juice at all?
It's understandable to feel confused and frustrated when faced with contradictory information like this. It's hard not to feel like we're being conned at every given opportunity.
Even Pizza Is a Letdown!
This packaged 16" pepperoni pizza sure does look tasty—that is, until you take the packaging off and realize you've been duped. The huge portion of the pizza that wasn't visible when packaged is completely bare! There's no pepperoni, no cheese, and not even any tomato sauce. While in the supermarket, the allure of the perfectly packaged pizza was hard to resist. Now you just feel like you've been taken advantage of!
The packaging of this pizza creates an illusion of indulgence, only to reveal a hollow center that fails to deliver on what was promised. It's like being let down by your best friend!
Where Are the Rest of Them?
When this sticker roll for kids was bought at the shop, it seemed like a good bargain. But then, as you take off the wrapper, it's not long before you realize you've been robbed. The roll of stickers turns out to be only a few inches long. Just enough to make you think the stickers are rolled up on the inside. As a child removes the wrapper, their excitement quickly turns to disbelief!
Whatever the manufacturer's motive may be, it's disheartening to witness the disappointment on a child's face when they realize they've been robbed. Even kids are targeted these days!
Mixed Messages!
This advertisement is pretty confusing. It states in huge red letters, "Everything 99 cents or less," which sounds great. But then you notice some more, smaller information. Alongside the 99 cents, it says "and up." So which is it? "Everything 99 cents or less," or "Everything 99 cents and up." We're guessing that everything is 99 cents and up. This ad is just trying to catch us off guard.
It's a clever marketing tactic to lure us in with the irresistible appeal of 99 cents, only to reveal that prices can soar beyond our initial expectations. Or they think we’re all idiots!
Coca-Cola Cam!
It looks like this poor guy has been stood up. He's been caught on the alone cam at a hockey match. And while this is just some lighthearted fun on the part of the organizers, you can't help but notice the giant Coca-Cola advertisement over the screen. Yes, this is a brilliant way to bring everyone's attention to the ad. It won't be long till everyone is slurping on an ice-cold Coca-Cola!
The organizers capitalize on the captive audience and viral potential of such moments to boost their advertisement's impact. Without even realizing it, many in the audience will suddenly become thirsty!
Where’s All My Pâté Gone?
Have you ever bought something that looks amazing, but when you take it home and remove the packaging, the item seems to have shrunk? This phenomenon becomes particularly apparent when we encounter food products like pâté that appear irresistible and delectable within their well-designed packaging. However, a disheartening revelation often awaits us as we eagerly unwrap the item at home: it seems to have undergone an inexplicable shrinkage, leaving us feeling deceived.
While the exterior promises a mouthwatering delight that will satisfy our cravings, the reality often falls short, leaving us questioning the integrity of the brand and the product itself.
The Old Ham and Eggs Trick!
This diner is advertising ham and eggs for the amazing price of $0.99. But wait a minute. If you look a little closer, it actually says $8.99. Pricing is a powerful tool to catch our attention and lure us into purchasing, particularly when it comes to our favorite meals at reasonable prices. However, sometimes these seemingly irresistible offers turn out to be nothing more than an illusion, leaving us feeling deceived and frustrated.
This deceptive advertising is designed to get you into the diner. And once you place your order for ham and eggs, you will likely end up paying $8.99.