Recent studies reveal a concerning trend among Gen Z, showing a higher willingness to engage in digital fraud compared to other generations. This inclination is attributed to persistent financial challenges, including rising costs of living, student debt, and stagnant wages. The “fraud triangle” theory suggests that Gen Z’s economic anxiety provides the incentive and rationalization for fraudulent behavior. While most Gen Zers resort to legitimate money-saving tactics, a significant portion admits to considering or participating in first-party fraud, highlighting the severe impact of economic pressures on this generation’s ethical boundaries.
