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How Big Companies Use Plain English To Rob You Blind

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The Fine Print: How Big Companies Use "Plain English" to Rob You Blind

by David Cay Johnston

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2087 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	328 pages

You may think that you're safe from financial exploitation because you can read and understand English. After all, most contracts and legal documents are written in plain English, right? Wrong. Big companies have mastered the art of using plain English to deceive consumers and steal their hard-earned money.

Here are just a few examples of how big companies use plain English to rip you off:

Hidden fees. Many companies bury hidden fees in the fine print of their contracts. These fees can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time.
Deceptive language. Companies often use deceptive language to trick consumers into signing up for services or products they don't want. For example, a company may use the word "free" to describe a product that actually has a hidden cost.
Predatory practices. Some companies use predatory practices to trap consumers into unfair contracts. For example, a company may offer a low introductory rate on a loan, but then jack up the interest rate after a few months.

These are just a few of the many ways that big companies use plain English to rob you blind. It's important to be aware of these tactics so that you can protect yourself from financial exploitation.

How to protect yourself

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from financial exploitation:

Read the fine print. Don't just sign a contract without reading the fine print. Make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions before you sign.
Be wary of deceptive language. If a company is using language that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be suspicious of any offer that seems too good to be true.
Shop around. Don't just sign up with the first company you find. Shop around and compare prices and terms before you make a decision.
Get help from a consumer protection agency. If you think you have been the victim of financial exploitation, you can get help from a consumer protection agency. These agencies can help you file a complaint and get your money back.

By following these tips, you can protect yourself from financial exploitation and keep your hard-earned money safe.

Big companies often use plain English to deceive consumers and steal their hard-earned money. It's important to be aware of these tactics so that you can protect yourself from financial exploitation. By reading the fine print, being wary of deceptive language, shopping around, and getting help from a consumer protection agency, you can keep your money safe.

The Fine Print: How Big Companies Use "Plain English" to Rob You Blind

by David Cay Johnston

4.4 out of 5