10 Lies People Tell To Get You To Lend Them Money

There are lies that people tell to get you to lend them money.

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You know the drill: someone you know—maybe a friend, a cousin, or that coworker who’s always “between paychecks”—starts the conversation with an innocent smile. Before you know it, they’re dropping hints about needing “a tiny favor,” and your bank account suddenly becomes their emergency fund. Lending money sounds harmless at first—after all, you’re just being kind—but it can quickly turn into an awkward dance of excuses, guilt trips, and ghosting.

The worst part? Some people have mastered the art of crafting believable stories to get you to part with your cash. Let’s break down the most common—and downright sneaky—lies people tell to borrow money.

1. “I’ll Pay You Back Next Week, I Promise.”

Ah yes, the oldest trick in the book—the “next week” that never actually arrives. It’s specific enough to sound sincere but vague enough to slip away unnoticed. The promise of fast repayment gives you a false sense of security, but here’s the secret: it’s meant to lower your guard. By the time that mythical “next week” comes around, there’s always a new excuse—lost paycheck, unexpected bill, mysterious banking glitch. Spoiler alert: if someone really meant to pay you back that quickly, they probably wouldn’t need to borrow in the first place.

2. “My Check Got Lost in the Mail.”

This one’s a classic with vintage charm. Somehow, in an age of direct deposits and instant transfers, their paycheck was mailed through a carrier pigeon who lost its way. The beauty of this lie is that it sounds mildly plausible while buying them time—and your sympathy. You imagine them pacing the hallway, refreshing their mailbox, and waiting for salvation. Meanwhile, your loan is now unofficially a donation.

3. “It’s Just a Temporary Emergency.”

This one tugs at your empathy. A car broke down, a rent payment’s due, or their dog suddenly needs an operation. You can practically hear the movie soundtrack swelling in the background as they plead their case. And while emergencies do happen, people who really need help will usually be open, transparent, and realistic about repayment. If every “emergency” comes with a side of déjà vu, you might be dealing with a repeat performer.

4. “I Just Need It Until Payday.”

This is the cousin of “I’ll pay you back next week,” only dressed in professional clothing. “Payday” sounds official—it has a built-in expiration date! But somehow, that payday never aligns with repayment day. You’ll hear, “I had to cover something else first,” or “I’ll get you next paycheck,” and suddenly it’s been three months. If someone’s constantly borrowing until payday, their financial planning might be more fiction than fact.

5. “I’m Waiting for a Big Payment to Come Through.”

This one’s a masterpiece of optimism. They’re this close to a big break—maybe a client payment, a tax refund, or an “investment” that’s about to pay off. They just need a little help to bridge the gap. But here’s the kicker: that “big payment” either never existed or is perpetually delayed by “paperwork issues.” You end up waiting right alongside them for money that was never meant to arrive.

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6. “I Lost My Wallet and Need Gas to Get Home.”

This one hits fast and hard, often with a dose of urgency. Whether it’s an acquaintance or a stranger, the story paints them as a victim of bad luck. You picture them stranded on the side of the road, praying for help. But here’s the problem: wallets don’t magically vanish every few weeks, and real emergencies usually come with visible stress—not rehearsed drama. It’s the kind of story that tugs on your heartstrings just enough to loosen your wallet.

7. “I’ll Pay You Back With Interest!”

Ah, the entrepreneur of excuses. This one tries to make borrowing sound like a business opportunity. You’re not just helping them—you’re “investing.” They throw around confident phrases like “guaranteed return” or “short-term loan.” But in most cases, the only return you’ll get is a polite text that says, “Hey, I’m still working on that repayment plan.” Interest? Yeah, it’s usually zero—just like your chances of getting the principal back.

8. “You Know I’d Do the Same for You.”

This one weaponizes friendship. It plays on guilt, loyalty, and the unspoken social contract of “good friends help each other.” It makes you feel like saying no is a betrayal, even when you know deep down it’s not your responsibility. The truth? People who use emotional manipulation to borrow money rarely mean it when they say they’d do the same for you. And if you ever test that theory, you’ll probably hear, “Oh, I’m kind of broke right now.”

9. “It’s Just a Small Amount.”

The “small amount” strategy works because it minimizes the perceived risk. “It’s just twenty bucks,” they’ll say—easy, right? But here’s where it gets clever: small loans often turn into repeat habits. Once you lend once, you become the go-to lender for “just a little more.” Before you realize it, you’re out hundreds, and the borrower has rewritten the definition of “small.”

10. “I’m Good for It—You Know Me!”

Famous last words. This line relies on familiarity and reputation—because if you know them, you’ll trust them. It’s a shortcut through your logical defenses straight to your emotions. Unfortunately, people often overestimate their own reliability or use your trust as a shield. The truth is, good intentions don’t pay bills, and friendship isn’t a credit score.

Trust Wisely, Lend Cautiously

Lending money can be a kind gesture, but it’s also one of the easiest ways to strain relationships and test trust. The lies people tell aren’t always malicious—sometimes they’re desperate, sometimes embarrassed—but they all lead to the same outcome: you’re left waiting for repayment that may never come. The best defense is awareness, boundaries, and a healthy dose of skepticism.

Have you ever been caught in one of these lending lies? Share your stories, insights, or hard-learned lessons in the comments below.