Which of the following is NOT one of the three factors present in every fraud?

• A. A strong financial pressure.
• B. An opportunity to commit the fraud.
• C. A means of justifying the fraud as appropriate.
• D. A personal ambition to steal.

Answer: (D)

Fraud typically arises from three elements: an incentive or pressure to commit the act, an opportunity to implement the theft due to weaknesses in controls, and rationalization that the act is acceptable. A personal ambition to steal is not required for fraud to occur; someone can be driven by financial pressure and still rationalize the act, or take advantage of an opportunity without a lifelong desire to steal. Therefore, the statement describing a personal ambition to steal does not belong to the three factors. The other options match the actual elements: pressure/incentive, opportunity, and rationalization.