How to Protect Your Money from Fake Friends, Chanakya Niti
Riya Kumari | Aug 24, 2025, 23:54 IST
Chanakya
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
We all have that one friend who suddenly becomes allergic to splitting the bill when the waiter arrives, or the cousin who treats your savings account like an emergency fund for their “startups” (aka impulsive shopping sprees). And yet, surprise, surprise, when it’s your turn to need help, they vanish faster than your account balance.
We don’t talk about it enough, but everyone has that friend. You know, the one who eats half the pizza, leaves before the bill comes, and later uploads “#Grateful #FriendshipGoals” on Instagram. Or the one who borrows money with Oscar worthy sincerity and then develops a rare medical condition called Selective Amnesia the minute you text, “Hey, about that repayment…” Chanakya would’ve rolled his eyes so hard at these people. The guy literally wrote in the Chanakya Niti that money brings out the truth about friends faster than anything else. And after watching today’s freeloaders in action, I’m convinced he was psychic. Let’s decode how to spot (and outsmart) these budget vampires, Chanakya-approved, modern-life verified.
1. Never Confront, Always Redirect
Chanakya’s wisdom: A friend’s real face is revealed in times of stress. Modern version: Stress = waiter walking toward the table with the bill folder. You know this type. The second that black folder lands, they suddenly need to “take an urgent call” or “use the washroom.” Twenty minutes later, they’re back, beaming, asking, “All settled?” Yes, But, By me.
Chanakya: “A wise man never reveals his true hand.” Fake friends borrow and dodge repayment because they know you’ll avoid confrontation. Never ask directly. Instead, reframe it as a favor they owe. Wrong: “Can you return the ₹2,000?” Right: “Hey, I need you to transfer that ₹2,000 by tonight, I’ve lined it up for a payment.” Why it works: it switches repayment from “optional” to “obligation.” They’re not doing you a favor, you’re telling them you depend on it.
2. Control the Frame with Pre-Commitment
Chanakya said: never let anyone exploit your resources. Translation today: beware of the friend who texts, “Bro, grab me that concert ticket, I’ll Pay you immediately.” Spoiler: they won’t. Chanakya: “Before trusting, test.” Modern tactic: lock repayment before giving money. Example: if someone says, “Pay for my cab, I’ll return tomorrow,” reply with, “Cool, I’ll forward you a payment request right now so you don’t forget.” Why it works: the public record (screenshot, app request) eliminates “forgetting.” They feel trapped, yet can’t accuse you of mistrust.
3. Use Social Pressure, Not Private Pleading
There’s a special hell reserved for lending money to friends. First, they thank you like you just saved their life. Then, silence. Weeks pass. You send a polite reminder. Nothing. You send a firmer one. Still nothing. And finally, you stop, because the second-hand embarrassment of chasing your own money is too much.
Chanakya: “The fear of shame controls men more than the fear of law.” If they dodge repayment, don’t keep DMing them privately. Instead, drop casual reminders in group settings. Example: “Once you send that ₹1,000 back, let’s book tickets.” Why it works: embarrassment in front of others triggers instant compliance. Manipulators exploit privacy; exposure kills them.
4. Appear Broke, Even When You’re Not
They’re “too broke” to contribute ₹500 for dinner, but magically have funds for new sneakers, craft beer, or that suspiciously expensive skincare haul. Chanakya’s line: people who exploit your wealth are not friends, they’re liabilities. Pro tip? Don’t argue. Just stop inviting them to plans that involve money. Problem solved, bank balance intact.
Chanakya: “Reveal not your resources.” Freeloaders target the generous. Practice performative scarcity. Say things like, “Man, I’m rationing till next week, can’t spend a rupee extra.” Why it works: predators don’t waste time on empty wells. The moment they believe you’re “broke,” they move on to their next victim
If you don’t pay, you’re basically killing our friendship. Chanakya’s take? True bonds aren’t tested by how much money you spend. Real friends will split equally, even if it’s Snacks at a roadside stall.
Chanakya: “Abandon that which harms you.” Final stage: if someone repeatedly drains you, don’t warn, don’t announce. Just cut them off silently. Their texts for “help” should meet polite but flat refusals: “Sorry, can’t.” No explanation. Why it works: manipulators thrive on negotiation. Starve them of openings, they disappear.
Chanakya’s genius was not “don’t trust people.” It was: learn the mechanics of human weakness and use it against them. So next time a friend orders food on your card, ignores repayment messages, or vanishes when the bill arrives, don’t get angry, don’t get desperate. Get strategic.
Because in a world full of takers, survival isn’t about kindness. It’s about control. And Chanakya would tell you: control always belongs to the one who understands the game better.
1. Never Confront, Always Redirect
Help
( Image credit : Unsplash )
Chanakya’s wisdom: A friend’s real face is revealed in times of stress. Modern version: Stress = waiter walking toward the table with the bill folder. You know this type. The second that black folder lands, they suddenly need to “take an urgent call” or “use the washroom.” Twenty minutes later, they’re back, beaming, asking, “All settled?” Yes, But, By me.
Chanakya: “A wise man never reveals his true hand.” Fake friends borrow and dodge repayment because they know you’ll avoid confrontation. Never ask directly. Instead, reframe it as a favor they owe. Wrong: “Can you return the ₹2,000?” Right: “Hey, I need you to transfer that ₹2,000 by tonight, I’ve lined it up for a payment.” Why it works: it switches repayment from “optional” to “obligation.” They’re not doing you a favor, you’re telling them you depend on it.
2. Control the Frame with Pre-Commitment
Payment
( Image credit : Unsplash )
Chanakya said: never let anyone exploit your resources. Translation today: beware of the friend who texts, “Bro, grab me that concert ticket, I’ll Pay you immediately.” Spoiler: they won’t. Chanakya: “Before trusting, test.” Modern tactic: lock repayment before giving money. Example: if someone says, “Pay for my cab, I’ll return tomorrow,” reply with, “Cool, I’ll forward you a payment request right now so you don’t forget.” Why it works: the public record (screenshot, app request) eliminates “forgetting.” They feel trapped, yet can’t accuse you of mistrust.
3. Use Social Pressure, Not Private Pleading
Friends
( Image credit : Unsplash )
There’s a special hell reserved for lending money to friends. First, they thank you like you just saved their life. Then, silence. Weeks pass. You send a polite reminder. Nothing. You send a firmer one. Still nothing. And finally, you stop, because the second-hand embarrassment of chasing your own money is too much.
Chanakya: “The fear of shame controls men more than the fear of law.” If they dodge repayment, don’t keep DMing them privately. Instead, drop casual reminders in group settings. Example: “Once you send that ₹1,000 back, let’s book tickets.” Why it works: embarrassment in front of others triggers instant compliance. Manipulators exploit privacy; exposure kills them.
4. Appear Broke, Even When You’re Not
Empty
( Image credit : Unsplash )
They’re “too broke” to contribute ₹500 for dinner, but magically have funds for new sneakers, craft beer, or that suspiciously expensive skincare haul. Chanakya’s line: people who exploit your wealth are not friends, they’re liabilities. Pro tip? Don’t argue. Just stop inviting them to plans that involve money. Problem solved, bank balance intact.
Chanakya: “Reveal not your resources.” Freeloaders target the generous. Practice performative scarcity. Say things like, “Man, I’m rationing till next week, can’t spend a rupee extra.” Why it works: predators don’t waste time on empty wells. The moment they believe you’re “broke,” they move on to their next victim
5. Strategic Withdrawal
No
( Image credit : Unsplash )
If you don’t pay, you’re basically killing our friendship. Chanakya’s take? True bonds aren’t tested by how much money you spend. Real friends will split equally, even if it’s Snacks at a roadside stall.
Chanakya: “Abandon that which harms you.” Final stage: if someone repeatedly drains you, don’t warn, don’t announce. Just cut them off silently. Their texts for “help” should meet polite but flat refusals: “Sorry, can’t.” No explanation. Why it works: manipulators thrive on negotiation. Starve them of openings, they disappear.
Outro:
Because in a world full of takers, survival isn’t about kindness. It’s about control. And Chanakya would tell you: control always belongs to the one who understands the game better.