Bilked

To defraud or cheat someone, especially of money or something valuable; to swindle. The act of bilking involves the use of deceit, trickery, or manipulation to obtain something unfairly. It often implies a breach of trust and a violation of ethical or legal standards. The term highlights the intent to deprive another person of their rightful possessions or funds through dishonest means. The impact of being bilked can range from financial loss and emotional distress to damage to reputation and legal repercussions.

Bilked meaning with examples

• The unscrupulous investment broker bilked numerous clients out of their life savings with a complex Ponzi scheme, promising unrealistic returns while secretly diverting funds for personal gain. Victims were left financially ruined and deeply betrayed by the broker's deceitful actions.
• The company was found to have bilked its employees by underpaying them for their work, falsifying records to conceal the discrepancy, and exploiting their vulnerability. This led to a lawsuit and public condemnation when their illegal activities were exposed.
• The online scammer bilked unsuspecting users through a phishing campaign, posing as a legitimate organization to obtain their banking details and drain their accounts. Many fell prey to this sophisticated deception, suffering significant financial losses.
• The con artist bilked tourists out of their money by selling them fake souvenirs at inflated prices, exploiting their ignorance and desire for a unique memento. The visitors only realized the deceit after leaving and discovering the items' worth.
• The landlord was accused of bilking tenants through excessive security deposit deductions and failure to maintain the property, despite charging high rents. Tenants filed complaints and sought legal action after experiencing years of neglect and financial exploitation.