People are exploited in the market in various ways. Traders often indulge in unfair trade practices such as weighing less than what they should or adding charges that were not mentioned before. Sometimes, shopkeepers sell adulterated or defective goods to consumers.

Large companies with huge wealth and power manipulate the market by passing false information through the media to attract consumers. For instance, companies may make false claims, such as asserting that powdered milk is better than mother's milk. In the informal sector, moneylenders exploit borrowers by forcing them to sell produce at low rates or sell their land to repay loans.