I mean I truly believe that a lot of employers absolutely suck and try to get away with illegal stuff all the time. However I find it hard to believe half these stories, because maybe one time out of 1,000 will I see the OP post a follow-up about how they sued and won or the employer got fined out the ass.
I'd be much happier seeing posts about their employer having their ass handed to them.
Especially all the texts/Whatsapp ones. Ive never had a boss text me and I literally know of no one who does save for maybe a small mom and pop type business with 4 whole employees.