LEV983 ... we see that we have to judge matters pertaining to buying and selling as matters commanded us by the Torah. Furthermore, we learn from [this verse], that one may not exploit or oppress the other party in business, neither as regards the price nor the quality of the goods. Sefer Hachinuch on Lev. 25:14. The Mishnah objected even to nonmonetary exploitation. “Just as there is exploitation in buying and selling [the reference is to overcharging or exploiting ignorance], so there can be verbal exploitation. So one is not permitted to ask [the seller] ‘What is the price of this article?’ when one has no intention of buying.” Mishnah, Baba Metzia, chapter 14, mishnah 10. The variations and possibilities of stealing through ordinary everyday economic activities are almost unlimited. Nevertheless, it is essential from a moral point of view to limit them wherever possible. Not to do so not only causes hardship to others, but destroys the moral fabric of society and negates Divine law. So it is natural that halachic codes and communal enactments sought to minimize the scope of theft and dishonesty in legitimate commerce in many different ways.