Embezzlement, pyramid schemes, false insurance claims. Why are so many inclined to commit fraud, and then convince themselves they are innocent? Discover one criminologist's explanation in the fraud triangle—pressure, opportunity, and rationalization—and consider how this might explain why so many people have chosen to make unethical decisions. 

Concepts

fraud, business ethics, ethics, crime

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Review the seemingly smaller instances of fraud discussed in the video, such as fudging your timecard or not reporting cash earnings, and ask learners how they view these common examples of dishonesty.
• Have learners research other major examples of fraud, and then present their findings within the context of the fraud triangle (i.e. What was the pressure/opportunity/rationalization?)

Pros

• Engaging subject matter
• Descriptive graphics and comic-style animations
• Customize online discussion and assessment questions provided by TED-Ed

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.5 SL.11-12.5