5 Signs That Someone You Know Is ‘Fake Rich’
5 Signs That Someone You Know Is ‘Fake Rich’ (and why it’s killing their wealth). Could you be pretending, too?
Vishesh Raisinghani Moneywise Sat, February 7, 2026
Scroll through social media and it’s easy to think everyone is rich and only getting richer. Your favorite influencers are filming videos in luxury SUVs, your friends are on five-star resorts in Bali, and your uncle just made “a fortune” on a new cryptocurrency.
But much of this perceived wealth could be smoke and mirrors. In fact, some of these peers and influencers could be actively undermining real wealth by trying to maintain the façade.
1. Lots of luxury logos
A splashy logo isn’t an asset, but for someone desperate to appear rich it might as well be. From Balenciaga jackets and Chanel belts to Louis Vuitton monogrammed bags, online influencers and social climbers are often covered in conspicuous signals of wealth.
However, many of these mainstream brands are designed to appeal to middle-class buyers. Nearly half of global luxury sales are attributed to this middle-income group, according to Boston Consulting Group data cited by the Wall Street Journal (1).
Genuinely wealthy consumers have increasingly shifted toward lesser-known, exclusive, and niche brands — a movement referred to as “quiet luxury” (2).
Simply put, genuine wealth doesn’t need to announce itself. In fact, very wealthy individuals are often more likely to downplay their affluence. So if you’re tempted to overspend on a specific logo, it may be worth reconsidering.
Read More: The average net worth of Americans is a surprising $620,654. But it almost means nothing. Here’s the number that counts (and how to make it skyrocket)
2. Bragging on social media
There is so much conspicuous consumption and wealth flaunting on social media that it’s leaving many Americans feeling financially left behind.
Gen Z and millennial users are particularly susceptible to this phenomenon, often described as “money dysmorphia,” according to a 2024 Credit Karma report (3).
However, genuinely wealthy families tend to view social media as a potential data privacy and security risk, according to JP Morgan (4). Publicly flaunting wealth online can make individuals more attractive targets for cybercriminals, which is why many high-net-worth individuals choose to keep a low digital profile.
With that in mind, accounts that openly boast about their multiple millions and private jets are more likely promoting questionable products or services than reflecting genuine affluence. The best move is to scroll past.
3. Disproportionately expensive cars
A general rule of thumb is that expenses related to your vehicle shouldn’t exceed 20% of your monthly take-home pay, according to Patrick Roosenberg, senior director of automotive finance intelligence at J.D. Power (5).
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