Crossing the Line: 18 Shady Hacks People Shamelessly Use but Will Never Confess

Ah, the wonders of the digital age. It’s like a vast universe of memes, TikTok videos, and, of course, online shopping. But it’s not all rainbows and sunshine. The internet has also become a hotbed for all sorts of sneaky, under-the-table activities. You may not be proud of them, but they’re like the junk food of life — hard to resist. Let’s explore, shall we? But remember, just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should – we don’t condone doing any of these.  

The Email Illusionist — Free Trials for Days!

 

  Here’s the genius part. You create multiple email addresses. Then, you use them to sign up for free trials, whether it’s a streaming service or a subscription box. Your inbox might be messy, but who cares when you’re binging the latest series for free? You get to enjoy all these perks, but on the down-low, because who would openly admit they’re essentially cheating the system?  

Transform Into a Perennial Student for Discounts

 

  You’ve got that dusty old student ID card from two or even five years ago stashed somewhere. You pull it out to get discounts at the movies, restaurants, and even online shops. A person can save a lot by simply flashing this piece of plastic. Some businesses don’t even verify the details; they just offer a discount.  

The Art of Faux Products

 

  Selling knock-off products online? Now, that’s an art. From fake designer bags to imitation tech gadgets, these sellers have a knack for making things seem legit. The price is just too good, making it easy to lure people in. But deep down, these sellers know what they’re doing is misleading. If caught, they risk not just their reputation but potentially legal action.  

Mastering the Craft of the Fake Sick Day

 

  Ah, Monday, the enemy of the 9-to-5er. If the weekend feels like it was just five minutes long, extending it by playing the “I’m sick” card is tempting. With a weak cough, you call your boss, possibly even throwing in a convincing backstory complete with fake symptoms. You know it’s wrong, but the idea of a three-day weekend is just too good.  

The Resume — A Creative Writing Experiment

 

  When applying for a job, it’s tempting to spice up the resume a bit. You know, turning that three-month cooking class into “culinary expertise” or stretching that high school Spanish class into “fluent in Spanish.” It can work wonders for getting interviews. However, the downside? You risk being caught in a lie, which could result in job loss or embarrassment.  

Go on a Virtual World Tour with VPNs

 

  So, you’re into British dramas or Korean thrillers but can’t access them because you’re on the wrong side of the globe. A VPN can make it look like you’re browsing from another country. But it’s not just for international Netflix. You can use it for sports events exclusive to certain regions or even better deals on airfares. Of course, doing this is a breach of terms of service.  

Light Fingers at the Office

 

  The office supply room can sometimes feel like a treasure chest. You take a pen here a stapler there, rationalizing that they’re just small items. Plus, no one will notice, right? And if they do, you’ll return them… eventually. But that rationalization is precisely why people feel awkward about admitting to this behavior.  

Netflix, Spotify, and Borrowed Subscriptions

 

  It’s like a modern-day Robin Hood tale, except you’re not stealing from the rich to give to the poor. You’re just “borrowing” a friend’s Netflix or Spotify account, sometimes without them even knowing. It saves you a lot of money, but the shame comes from knowing you’re enjoying services you haven’t paid for.  

Ad-Free Browsing Like a Boss

 

  Ads can be annoying, popping up everywhere like an overzealous game of whack-a-mole. So you use ad blockers, granting you a sleek, ad-free browsing experience. It’s excellent for your user experience but bad news for the websites that rely on ad revenue to survive. People might hesitate to admit they’re affecting someone’s livelihood for a few moments of convenience.  

Master of Manipulative Reviews

 

  Some folks have become adept at writing fake reviews to elevate their own business or sink the competition. Reviews can significantly impact businesses, so the stakes are high. The people behind these fake reviews would hate to admit they manipulated public opinion for their gain.  

A Phone with Multiple Personalities

 

  Say hello to the same person but with multiple identities! By using several phone numbers or even apps that generate them, folks maneuver around one-time offers and verifications, getting discounts and perks over and over. But admitting to this would reveal a somewhat deceptive nature, wouldn’t it?  

Picture-Perfect Life on Social Media

 

  With a few taps on your phone, you can go from having a “blah” day to looking like you’re on a dream vacation. People adjust colors, blur backgrounds, and add filters to make themselves appear fabulous. The aim? To attract more followers and likes, of course! You’re basking in virtual applause, but would you admit to the hours spent perfecting each picture?   

Retail Espionage with Friends

 

  You’ve got a buddy who’s the Gandalf of discounts, working in your favorite shop. They know when sales will happen or what days new items arrive. They’re your discount guru, and you’re their loyal follower. Together, you’re saving bucks and scoring the best deals. Yet, this alliance is often kept secret because sharing it might jeopardize your friend’s job.  

Outsourcing Homework

 

  Homework, ugh! Some folks think it’s easier to just pay someone else to write that essay or solve those math problems. Websites catering to this have turned it into a full-blown industry. You feel like a winner, getting A’s without lifting a finger. But the guilt hangs over you like a cloud. You know it’s not only dishonest but also robs you of the opportunity to learn and grow.  

Master of the Coupon Code Remix

 

  Some people are like DJs remixing beats, but instead, they’re remixing coupon codes. They switch up a few letters or numbers, and voila, the coupon miraculously works again! It feels like you’ve found the cheat code to life. However, deep inside, you know it’s sketchy, bordering on stealing, so you zip your lips and hope nobody finds out.  

One-Time User Turned Serial Returner

 

  Oh, the exhilarating feel of a shopping bag in hand! You wear the new item once, maybe twice, then return it for a refund. It’s like a carousel of newness without the long-term costs. Yet, the thrill fades when you think of how this practice is unfair to the retailer. It’s the secret you’re unlikely to share at the next social gathering.  

The Flexible Tax Filer

 

  In April, people suddenly turn into wizards of spreadsheets, conjuring all sorts of deductions. But some take creative accounting to a new level, tweaking numbers in their favor. Sure, you may get a larger return or pay less in taxes, but the risk is high. If caught, the penalty is severe, and nobody wants a chat with the IRS.   

Fill ‘Er Up and Forget to Pay

 

  A classic move that crosses from unethical to downright illegal. You pump your gas, casually saunter inside as if you’re about to pay, and then zip out without a second glance. With a full tank and zero bucks lighter, you feel like you’ve pulled off a heist. But the guilt is a heavy load, heavier than a gas tank, making it a secret you’d take to your grave.

Lost in Southern Translation: 18 Baffling Phrases from the South That’ll Leave Y’all Reaching for a Dictionary

  The Southern United States has a rich linguistic tradition that can often be a puzzle to those unfamiliar with the region’s unique vernacular. It’s not just the charming accent, but also the colorful phrases and expressions that add a dash of spice to the language. Let’s decode 18 such Southern phrases.

Lost in Southern Translation: 18 Baffling Phrases from the South That’ll Leave Y’all Reaching for a Dictionary

 

The Unpopular Yet Lucrative: 13 High-Paying Jobs Few Choose to Pursue

Despite their attractive salaries, there are specific high-paying jobs that need help to attract candidates due to various reasons. These unique professions offer financial rewards but often require more individuals to undertake the associated challenges. Let’s explore 14 such occupations that require specialized skills or involve demanding conditions but come with significant monetary compensation. The Unpopular Yet Lucrative: 13 High-Paying Jobs Few Choose to Pursue

Unmasking the Unpleasant: 12 Telltale Signs You Might Just Be a ‘Terrible Person’

You can tell if someone is a good person based on their words and actions. You can also use the same standard to determine if someone isn’t a good person. But what should you be looking for? An online community asked its members to describe the characteristics of someone who isn’t a good person, and the results were eye-opening Unmasking the Unpleasant: 12 Telltale Signs You Might Just Be a ‘Terrible Person’