25 Long-Running Scams In History That Are Still Fooling People

Social media is a powerful platform for exchanging ideas, opinions, and stories. When Bored Panda’s Facebook page asked its followers, “What is the biggest scam in the history of mankind?” the responses were as diverse as they were thought-provoking.

From ancient cons to modern-day deceptions, here are some of the most compelling answers that shed light on the scams that have left lasting impacts on society.

#1

At this point in time subscription services. Everything is that way now and the monthly fees for each item adds up.

#2

That the rich deserve or are entitled to obscene wealth and privilege

#3

Insurance of any kind. You use it, the rates go up. You don’t use it, the rates go up

#4

Having to buy water to drink something that’s already natural but it was never originally owned by anyone

#5

Without a doubt: Religion

#6

Tax breaks for the wealthy

#7

Mega churches

#8

Privatized healthcare

#9

The banking system, particularly loans and especially mortgages. Diabolical, evil, criminal, sinful

#10

Interest and credit scores.

#11

Double taxation. I get being taxed for roads, services and schools (can’t have roads if there’s no money to build them and can’t have schools and teachers if no one pays for that) but we are taxed on our income, fine. Then with the money we got left over, we get taxed again on anything we buy that isn’t groceries. Buy a used car, that tax has already been paid but they tax each new owner for the same car.

#12

Health insurance

#13

Government works for the people

#14

Anyone thinking they “own” land or homes. Try not paying your taxes and see how that goes. We are renting everything from the government

#15

Job agencies. The get about $5 an hour of your pay for you doing the same and more if you went for a job without them. It’s a dam wall restricting jobs and have removed all Human Resources from companies to help the employer to get away with treating people like s**t.

#16

Adulting, it’s really not all it’s cracked up to be

#17

College

#18

Hospital car parking fees

#19

The idea that one group of people is innately better than another group of people

#20

The diamond industry. Super corrupt and monopolized. Diamonds are great, but it’s time to step away from them being the coveted stone.

#21

Millionaires running their companies into the ground, filing for bankruptcy, then rinse and repeat.

#22

That if we work hard we’ll be able to live comfortably!! afford to buy a house, car, and holidays, when the reality is we can barely afford food and energy

#23

The trickle down effect

#24

The 40 hour work week

#25

the importance of politicians

Saumya Ratan

Saumya is an explorer of all things beautiful, quirky, and heartwarming. With her knack for art, design, photography, fun trivia, and internet humor, she takes you on a journey through the lighter side of pop culture.