Experts reveal the tell-tale signs to spot if someone is ACTUALLY rich or just flaunting their ‘fake wealth’

Experts have revealed how to tell the difference between someone who is truly rich and someone who wants to call themselves rich.

In the age of influencers and Instagram provocations, financial experts are sounding the alarm and warning that all that glitters is not gold.

This shocking contrast between outward appearances and financial reality is a common warning sign of perceived wealth, reports Go to Bank rates.

Abid Salahi, co-founder of FinlyWealth, stressed that people with seemingly lavish lifestyles are actually just scammers, while truly wealthy people often look like the average person.

“I once advised a client who drove a flashy sports car and wore expensive watches, yet still struggled to qualify for a basic credit card,” Salahi told the outlet.

This shocking contrast between appearances and financial reality is a common warning sign of false equity, Go Banking Rates reports.

‘Really rich people often prefer financial security over showing off their wealth.’

“Real wealth is about financial security and freedom, not just the outward trappings of success,” he added.

Another important signal is that you spend every dollar on keeping up appearances.

The truly wealthy, on the other hand, often lead modest lifestyles relative to their income.

“They are constantly promoting luxury brands, often with visible logos,” Salahi said. “Really wealthy people are more focused on creating long-term value than short-term appearances.”

“Warren Buffett, who has billions of dollars, still lives in the same house he bought in 1958 for $31,500,” he added.

People who are truly wealthy tend to value experiences more than material possessions, he explained.

‘The truly wealthy often place more value on travel, education and personal growth than on collecting luxury items.’

The truly wealthy, on the other hand, often maintain modest lifestyles in relation to their income.

People who pretend to be rich often also find it difficult to take their finances seriously. They cannot go into great detail about investments or financial strategies.

He explained that they often ‘distract’ or ‘exaggerate’ when questioned.

Meanwhile, the really wealthy invest in assets that appreciate in value, which will increase their wealth in the future.

“They have extensive estate plans, trusts and are often involved in philanthropic activities,” Salahi said.

“People who pretend to be wealthy often invest their money in depreciating assets, such as luxury cars or designer clothes, to create the illusion of wealth,” he added.

Abid Salahi, co-founder of FinlyWealth, stressed that people with seemingly lavish lifestyles are actually just scammers, while truly wealthy people can look like the average guy.

‘Although they have access to significant credit, the wealthy use this credit sparingly and strategically.’

Ben Klesinger, CEO of Reliant Insurance Group, who works with high net worth individuals on a daily basis, also emphasized that high net worth individuals invest in income-producing real estate, stocks or private companies.

“The wealthy people I help invest in income-generating real estate, stocks or private companies,” Klesinger said Go to Bank rates. They understand that wealth comes from possessions and time, not just high income.

Klesinger emphasized that authentic wealth is often underestimated.

“The rich live purposefully below their means. They drive practical vehicles and live in appropriately sized homes,” he said. “Their spending is geared toward experiences, quality goods and relationships — not brands or status.”

Both experts agreed that true wealth goes beyond material possessions.

“They know that real wealth means having the freedom to do what really matters.”

“Real wealth, I have found, is lived with gratitude, purpose and service,” he added. “That is the mark of legitimate wealth.”