Bilk

To defraud or cheat someone, especially by swindling them out of money or possessions. The act of bilking often involves deceitful practices, taking advantage of someone's trust, or exploiting loopholes to gain an unfair advantage. It implies a deliberate intent to deprive someone of something they rightfully deserve, and it can manifest in various forms, from simple scams to complex financial schemes. Bilking is considered a dishonest and unethical behavior, often carrying legal consequences. It undermines trust and can cause significant financial and emotional distress to the victims. The term implies a degree of cunning or manipulation in the execution of the deceit.

Bilk meaning with examples

• The con artist attempted to bilk elderly residents out of their life savings by posing as a legitimate investment advisor. His scheme, involving promises of high returns with no risk, was ultimately foiled by the authorities. Several victims lost considerable funds before the scam was uncovered, leaving a trail of financial ruin.
• The unscrupulous contractor tried to bilk the homeowners by charging exorbitant fees for substandard work and then disappearing. They discovered that the materials used were of poor quality, and the renovations were incomplete. Regrettably, legal action to recover their money proved difficult due to the contractor's elaborate deception.
• The online retailer was accused of bilking customers through deceptive advertising, false discounts, and inflating shipping costs. Many purchasers found that the items received did not match the descriptions on the website, or did not get delivered at all, leading to widespread complaints and consumer boycotts against their business.
• During the financial crisis, several banking executives were accused of bilking their investors by engaging in risky investment strategies and covering up losses to receive large bonuses. This led to public outrage as taxpayers had to fund bailouts for these institutions, which ultimately caused them to suffer.
• The travel agency tried to bilk unsuspecting tourists by adding hidden fees to their bookings and providing accommodations far worse than advertised. Many visitors found themselves stranded, overcharged, and subjected to extremely poor conditions which ruined many of their trips, leading to significant negative reviews.