Widespread Deception: 72% of French People Admit to Cheating, Survey Reveals
Table of Contents
A new poll indicates a surprisingly high level of acceptance of dishonesty among the French population. According to an OpinionWay survey commissioned by “La Compagnie des Débouchers,” a plumbing and drain cleaning company, a staggering 72% of French adults admit to having engaged in deception, cheating, or bending the truth at some point. The findings, released this week, paint a picture of widespread “small infractions” that raise questions about societal norms and ethical boundaries.
A Nation of Minor Transgressions?
The survey, conducted between September 10 and 12, 2025, among a representative sample of 1,006 adults, reveals that these aren’t isolated incidents. More than a third of respondents (34%) acknowledge regularly resorting to such practices.These range from seemingly harmless acts to more serious breaches of trust.
common examples of this behavior include keeping an overpayment at a supermarket checkout (reported by 46% of French people), utilizing a friend or family member’s streaming account (34%), and committing fare evasion on public transport (26%). While often motivated by a desire for small savings, the survey suggests these actions can also stem from a degree of laziness or a willingness to cut corners. Notably, 23% of respondents confessed to feigning illness to avoid work, and 34% do not consider truancy to be morally wrong.
“Legal Scams” and Institutional Distrust
The survey also uncovered a important level of cynicism towards established institutions. One in ten French citizens admitted to falsely claiming a package hadn’t been delivered to obtain a refund, a practice that carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a €375,000 fine. Furthermore, 22% of respondents considered it acceptable to exaggerate insurance claims to receive a larger reimbursement.
This acceptance of bending the rules appears linked to a broader distrust of institutions. According to the survey, 60% of French people view insurance companies as engaging in “legal scams.” Othre sources of frustration include bank charges (cited by 70%), automatically renewing subscriptions (69%), and fuel taxes (67%), with nearly 7 out of 10 respondents labeling these as “institutionalized tricks.” The professions and institutions that inspire the most distrust are teleconsultants (68%) and, surprisingly, political figures (also 68%).
The Generational Divide in Deception
The study also highlights a generational difference in attitudes towards dishonesty. While the survey indicates a general acceptance of minor deception,the prevalence varies substantially by age. “Lying to a loved one to avoid conflict is considered the least serious act (51%), while stealing from supermarkets (18%) or not paying your bills (17%) are among the least tolerated,” according to findings from OpinionWay.
Interestingly, 46% of those under 35 admit to engaging in some form of deception, compared to only 25% of those over 50. This disparity raises the question of whether younger generations are simply more honest about their behavior, or if they are, actually, more prone to bending the truth. The study’s authors wryly observed that “the succession is assured!” with 7% of young people admitting to “little cheats” compared to 65% of seniors.
Home Repairs: A Hotspot for Deception
The survey also touched upon the often-fraught world of home repairs, a sector where “La Compagnie des Débouchers” operates. The company noted in a Facebook post that “the art of ‘small arrangement’ is sometimes amusing… but when it comes to home repairs, it often turns into a hassle.” Nearly half of french people believe they have been victims of scams related to home repairs. To mitigate this risk, the company recommends obtaining a clear, final price quote before any work begins.
The findings from opinionway offer a sobering glimpse into the ethical landscape of modern France, revealing a widespread acceptance of minor deception and a deep-seated distrust of institutions. While the motivations behind these behaviors are complex, the survey underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability across various sectors of society.
