Around 55% of Gen Z making over $100,000 and 49% of Millennials earning the same amount admitted to digital shoplifting in 2024, compared to just 18% of the general population
Nearly 50% of young and rich Americans commit first-party fraud, according to a new survey from anti-fraud firm Socure. Digital shoplifting involves claiming stolen packages, disputing legitimate transactions with credit cards, and faking non-deliveries, among others.
Around 55% of Gen Z making over $100,000 and 49% of Millennials earning the same amount admitted to such behavior in 2024, compared to just 18% of the general population.
Anti-fraud experts point out three main reasons:
- Younger generations are influenced by online fraud “hacks” and view such actions as easy and low-risk.
- Several see it as a “victimless” crime against large retailers and say the companies can absorb the cost.
- Perpetrators also justify their actions as consumer advocacy in the current US economy.
As awareness of these tactics spreads, so will the fraud, with experts warning that normalization will keep it growing.