The finding: Up to one-third of US consumers consider lying on credit applications to be acceptable in some situations or normal behavior, potentially fueled by the rising cost of living, per FICO’s 2025 Consumer Survey.

How we got here: FICO suggests that the ongoing cost-of-living crisis may be contributing to consumers feeling that falsifying information is the only way to obtain credit.

• Only 42% of consumers consider their finances stable, per The Financial Brand.