Fleeced

To 'fleece' someone means to deceive or swindle them, typically by overcharging or cheating them out of money or valuables. It implies a deliberate and often unethical act of exploitation. The term suggests a predatory relationship where one party, the 'fleecee,' is vulnerable or naive, and the other, the 'fleeecer,' takes advantage of this weakness for personal gain. This could involve manipulating prices, making false promises, or using deceptive practices. The goal is to extract profit or advantage by preying on someone's trust or lack of knowledge. The process frequently involves a calculated strategy to take as much as possible from the 'fleeced' individual or group. This behavior also often includes a calculated, often long term, strategy to gain trust or to hide the exploitation.

Fleeced meaning with examples

• The unscrupulous online retailer 'fleeced' customers by selling counterfeit electronics at inflated prices. They advertised genuine products but sent inferior imitations, leaving buyers feeling cheated and frustrated. The company's deceptive marketing tactics and lack of customer service further amplified the damage done. Many customers were left out of pocket and left to deal with faulty products.
• The investment advisor 'fleeced' his clients by recommending high-risk investments without disclosing the inherent dangers. He collected large commissions while the clients' portfolios plummeted, leaving them with substantial financial losses and shattered retirement plans. His lack of transparency, dishonesty, and false reassurances were key factors that led to significant financial hardship for many.
• The contractor 'fleeced' the homeowner by charging exorbitant fees and using substandard materials for the renovation project. The agreed-upon budget was exceeded by a significant margin, and the finished work was riddled with flaws. The contractor’s lack of ethical standards and the homeowner's trust were exploited for unfair gains, making the project a nightmare.
• During the post-hurricane chaos, opportunistic vendors 'fleeced' desperate residents by inflating prices for essential supplies like bottled water and generators. People were charged multiple times the normal price of basic items as they struggled to recover from the devastation. The price gouging caused widespread outrage and suffering, highlighting a lack of ethical business practices.
• The scam artist 'fleeced' elderly victims by pretending to be a representative from a government agency. They tricked them into providing their bank account information and withdrawing money for fake debts. The fraud caused severe emotional distress as well as significant financial hardship for many vulnerable individuals.