Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours diving into psychology research and self-improvement concepts. One phenomenon that never ceases to fascinate me is the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) behavior of people who pretend to be rich but are actually, well, broke.
Below are ten telltale signs to watch out for. And let’s be real—I’m dishing these from a place of curiosity and a pinch of personal experience (yes, I’ve been guilty of at least one or two of these in my younger years).
Let’s get started.
1. They Name-Drop Luxury Brands. All. The. Time.
You know the type. You mention you like someone’s shoes, and they respond with, “Oh, these are the latest Louboutins, but I’m thinking of buying some Chanels too.” They overemphasize brand names to signal wealth.
Why this happens: According to Carl Jung, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” In this case, the person might be unconsciously seeking validation. And so, they keep dropping these brand names to feel significant—even when it costs them more than they can afford.
2. They’re the Loudest at Fancy Events
Picture a swanky party. You’ve got the real deal quietly sipping their prosecco, talking about everyday stuff. Meanwhile, the pretend-rich person is in the center of the room, practically on a megaphone, bragging about their so-called lavish experiences.
My personal take: When I first got into the blog scene, I felt pressured to appear more “successful” than I really was. Cue me, at a networking event, talking way too loudly about all the “connections” I had. It was exhausting and not worth it.
3. The Social Media Overload
We all love a good Instagram scroll, right? But the fake-wealth folks are the ones who fill your feed with staged pics in exotic locations—complete with motivational captions like “Living my best life.” Meanwhile, their credit card statements are screaming.
Psychological angle: It’s often about seeking external validation. Social media can turn into a highlight reel that doesn’t match reality—yet the likes become addictive.
4. They Always Pick Up the Check—But Grumble Later
You’re out with friends. The check comes. Suddenly, they’re fighting to pay. But give it a day or two, and you’ll hear them complaining about “unexpected expenses.”
Why it matters: This behavior is often rooted in what psychologists call “impression management.” They want to be seen as generous, even though it’s draining their account.
5. They Have Zero Savings… Yet Own Multiple Credit Cards
Ever meet someone who boasts about their multiple credit cards? They flash them around like trophies. Meanwhile, the bills keep piling up, and their emergency fund is non-existent.
Real talk: I used to be obsessed with collecting the “perfect” credit card perks. But sometimes, you end up chasing illusions of status rather than true financial stability.
6. They’re Always “Networking” but Never Closing Deals
They’ve got a stack of business cards thicker than War and Peace. They seem to know everyone—except nobody’s quite sure what they do. Their social circle is huge, but their bank account? Not so much.
The psychology behind it: According to Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, once basic needs aren’t securely met, people might try to fulfill their esteem needs in other ways—like excessive networking for the sake of status.
7. Drastic Lifestyle Changes Right After Paycheck
You’ll see them go from instant noodles to fancy sushi overnight. They’ll splurge on designer clothes, then spend the rest of the month scraping by on canned soup.
A quick story: When I got my very first writing check (which wasn’t even that big), I immediately blew it on a high-end purse. I realized later I had rent due—and a big dose of regret.
8. They Make Excuses for Missing Bills
Water bill unpaid? “Oh, the bank had a glitch.” Electricity cut off? “I forgot to set up autopay.” They always have a reason—but it’s rarely about not having enough funds.
Deeper insight: This is a defense mechanism. Sigmund Freud might say they’re using “denial” to avoid confronting the reality of their financial instability.
9. They Can’t Stop Talking About Their “Future Wealth”
They’re forever spinning stories about the million-dollar ideas they have in the works. They promise that any minute now, they’ll be rolling in dough. But a year later—same story, different details.
What’s going on: It’s a classic case of living in the future to escape the present. Dreaming big is awesome, but it’s another thing to use it as a shield against dealing with current financial issues.
10. They Fake Comfort with Debt
Someone who’s genuinely wealthy typically hates unnecessary debt. But the fake-wealth person? They rationalize it. “Debt is normal, everyone has it,” they’ll say—while ignoring how it accumulates to a scary level.
A final note: Debt isn’t evil on its own. But pretending it’s no big deal when it’s spiraling out of control is a recipe for financial disaster. Brené Brown says, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage.” Admitting a tough financial spot can be scary—but it’s often the first step to fixing it.
