New research from the University of Georgia suggests younger adults may be more comfortable with insurance fraud than older generations.
Survey data from the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, which polled nearly 1,500 adults, showed that about 40% of respondents ages 25 to 34 said fraudulent actions in insurance scenarios were acceptable. Many viewed fraud as a way to cut costs or help a friend, according to the study.
By contrast, only 5% of adults 55 and older said they were comfortable with such behavior, suggesting a possible link between age and ethical standards.
Lead author Brenda Cude, professor emerita in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, said younger adults may see fraud as harmless, particularly when interacting with companies online. But misrepresenting information, like where a car is parked, is technically fraud and can affect everyone’s insurance costs.
