Heard a podcast where they called those lists "digital ghosts," full of dead emails and fake accounts. It's basically paying for a bunch of bounce-backs and spam traps. Pretty rough way to burn cash, lmao.

Ever think they say that line because they're already in debt to someone else? Like they're juggling bills and your job is just the next one in line. If the money was really coming they'd have no problem putting some down to hold the spot. That "return" story is just the first excuse, there's always another one after.

That's why my old boss swore by a simple plumb bob for long runs.