Which of the following is a common characteristic of fraud perpetrators?

Living beyond their means is a common characteristic of fraud perpetrators because it often drives individuals to commit fraudulent acts in order to maintain a lifestyle that exceeds their legitimate financial capabilities. This overspending can create financial pressure, leading to feelings of desperation. Consequently, individuals may resort to illegal activities such as embezzlement, falsifying documents, or other forms of fraud to meet their financial obligations or uphold appearances.

This behavior is frequently seen as a motivation for fraud, as the desire to sustain a particular lifestyle or status may lead individuals to compromise their ethics and engage in criminal activities. In many cases, these individuals may initially possess a solid understanding of their finances but ultimately succumb to the temptation of fraud as a means of resolving their financial struggles.