Allow me to share my theory and please send a message to me, by thumbing me up or down.

I believe that the majority of these stories are manufactured. After losing or using large sums of their own money on some not-so-acceptable material or services, people might need to come up with some explanation, for some reason.

"over about $410,000 more over about seven years" part of the article, is especially striking. This is no iTunes gift card buying process. 

The only thing I would say would be "come on!" It is as nonsensical as the usual defence of murderers, who all have heard similar "inside voices" during the murder.