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People Feel Scammed After Buying These 50  Products In Deceptive Packaging (New Pics)
FailsNOV 12, 2025

People Feel Scammed After Buying These 50 Products In Deceptive Packaging (New Pics)

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Trips to the grocery store can be pretty frustrating for many people these days. If you’re not dealing with a blatant case of sneakflation, you’re faced with misleading product packaging that may make you curse the heavens for the existence of corporate consumerism. 
Hyperbole aside, you can also snap photos for the internet to see, much like what these people did. The following images may evoke a mix of laughter, despair, and disappointment – all at the same time. 
Scroll through and feel free to join in the conversation by sharing photos of your own if you have any.

#1 Contains Vitamins B3, B6, B12, And Zinc, Except It Doesn't Contain Those

Misleading packaging on Red Bull hard candy falsely highlights vitamins and zinc on product design.
81points

#2 My Expectations Were Low, But Holy Cow

Misleading packaging showing fewer crackers and small dip cup in a Dairy Lea Dunkers snack container.
72points

#3 Standard Misleading Packaging

Misleading packaging showing a Pret wrap that appears whole but is actually torn into smaller, separated pieces inside.
Misleading packaging to make the wrap look longer than it is.
72points

There are several ways companies deceive consumers through their packaging. Researchers from Kiel University in Germany found that it also happens through the color of packages. 

According to their findings, products with a lighter color are more likely to be perceived as “healthier” but with “less taste.” This supposed tactic has a significant influence on a consumer’s decision to make a purchase.

#4 Is Anyone Else Bothered By Deceptive Packaging Like This?

Innisfree Balancing Cream with Green Tea jar shown in two lighting conditions revealing misleading packaging.
Report
67points

#5 A New Low From Colgate. This Tube Came In This Box! I Feel Done Over

Colgate MaxWhite toothpaste packaging showing sparkle diamonds and cooling effect, example of misleading product packaging.
Report
62points

#6 This Battery Company Has Started Changing The Packaging To Make You Think You're Getting Two Free Batteries, They Normally Come In An 8 Pack Anyways

Packaging showing misleading battery counts with Kodak AA batteries in deceptive product packaging designs.
Companies really need to stop doing this.
62points

Deceptive packaging is a form of false advertising, which is both illegal and unethical. Yet, why do companies resort to this tactic? According to author and entrepreneur Amanda Arthur Krill, competitive pressure tends to push corporations into this direction. 

“The long-term repercussions may prove detrimental, eventually resulting in lost credibility and consumer trust,” Krill wrote.

#7 Huge Foam Block Inside Pack Of Kids Necklace Bead

Hand holding misleading packaging filled with small green star-shaped objects, illustrating product packaging deception.
62points

#8 Where’s The Rest Of My Cookies? It Used To Be To The End

Arnott's Premier chocolate chip cookies with misleading packaging showing fewer cookies than expected inside.
Report
59points

#9 Feeling Scammed. Oh, Boy. Does It Feel Like Bad Design, Or Is There A Better Place To Post This?

Misleading packaging showing large chocolate hazelnut shortbread on bag versus much smaller actual cookies in clear plastic wrap.
58points

The next question would be how companies execute their misleading marketing practices. As Krill explains, they put out promotional materials that target a person’s FOMO, or appeal to their desires for beauty, approval, and success. 

“Advertisers create an illusion where consumers believe purchasing their product will enable them to achieve something unattainable,” she stated.

#10 Roll Of Tape Is Quite A Bit Smaller Than Depicted (I Checked Several Boxes, They All Are Like That)

Hand holding small roll of grip tape in misleading packaging claiming one roll but containing much less tape.
Report
54points

#11 Something Stinks

Arm & Hammer Advance antiperspirant packaging showing unscented label and misleading product presentation.
Brand new/unopened stick of antiperspirant. Only 40%of the tube has product. This is typical for the brand.

I'd rather less plastics and more honesty, but I know that the boardroom fat-cats are incapable of responsible ideation.
Report
52points

#12 Coffee A Month Or So Apart

Two Van Houtte Colombian Medium roast coffee cans with different sizes but the same price showing misleading packaging.
52points

As consumers, falling victim to deceptive marketing tactics is inevitable. However, we can protect ourselves simply by having a basic understanding of these practices. According to the Chicago-based law firm Almeida Law Group, class action lawsuits are helpful but should be considered the last resort. 

Being cautious of exaggerated claims would suffice. The firm also advises keeping records of transactions and communications, while being aware of common scams and fraudulent practices. 

#13 This Slime Sold At Target

Hand holding empty pink slime container labeled peppermint mocha in misleading product packaging at store.
51points

#14 Misleading Packaging

Misleading packaging of Pirouline dark chocolate filled wafer showing fewer wafers than depicted on the container.
51points

#15 I’ve Been Annoyed About This For Weeks. 75% Air. My Hands Are Small, And I Could Hold All Of It In My Palm. What Do You Mean “Share Size”

Hand squeezing a Mars product package labeled share size, illustrating misleading packaging by companies.
Report
50points

#16 Cheese Balls Size Comparison

Evolution of Utz Cheese Balls packaging from 2010 to 2024 showing changes in label design and container size.
I love stuff like this. My family has saved cheese ball buckets for years, and finally, after cleaning out some stuff, I found some with significant expiration age gaps. We've been robbed. Take me back to 2010. It's absolutely ridiculous how they reduced the size and thought we wouldn't notice.
49points

#17 This Veet Packaging Designed To Make You Waste Product (And Buy More)

Misleading packaging of Veet hair removal cream with a large pump bottle but a small, nearly empty inner container inside.
I was using this hair removal cream earlier today, and it stopped dispensing. Tried the usual tricks to get some to pump out, no dice. But it felt too heavy to be actually empty. So, I tried taking the top off, thinking there'd be a little in the bottom I could scoop out and use.

Got it open; it turns out the tube to the pump only goes about halfway down, and the cream is actually in a bag inside. The bag was connected to the opening, so I cut it to get the bag free.
47points

#18 I Got The Last 12 Pack. Same Price

Boxes of Nutter Butter peanut butter sandwich cookies with misleading packaging showing different pack counts on store shelf.
46points

#19 Misleading Packaging. Less Than Half Full. Of Minis, No Less

Misleading packaging of Swedish Fish candy in a large fish-shaped tin that contains smaller candy bags inside.
45points

#20 New vs. Old Swiss Cake Rolls

Banana placed next to chocolate-covered snacks in misleading packaging showing smaller portion sizes.
New Swiss Cake Rolls on the left and the old ones on the right... Banana for science.

I found some old Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls in a lunch bag I forgot about... Pre-covid. Surprisingly enough, after several years at room temperature, they look edible.
42points
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