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Comment by ecnahc515 | Hacker News Reader

There are plenty of people who probably made enough to continue paying rent, but chose not to because of the eviction moratorium.

A tech worker could basically stop paying rent, stating they've been effected by COVID, even if they weren't, or if it was short-term, and then basically collect their tech salary check's while not paying rent.

They _could_ pay, chose not to, and reaped the benefits.

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Tech workers could have gambled that plat but few did unless they needed to.

Plenty of rich people shoplift. It doesn't mean you should too.

A percentage of people park in handicap spaces when they legally shouldn't. Some people feel entitled and will take advantage of any situation.

You had to be that person above and still have the foresight to see this coming to pull off this scam.

The risk here is a lot lower, it’s not really gambling. In this situation, you’re in the same position as everyone else in the country. It’s that fact that means you can more easily slip by without being caught. Not only that but it’s arguable that even people still working were financially impacted by the pandemic, and they could reduce or stop paying rent. A lot of people had pay cuts, or lived with roommates, it’s not hard to justify it. You might not think your stretching the truth or you may think if your the only roommate paying rent that it doesn’t matter at that point.

Back to your example of shoplifting: If it’s a riot and looting is happening, then even people who normally wouldn’t steal or commit often join in. It’s mob mentality. “If everyone is doing it, why can’t I?”

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