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Nearly One in Three Millennial and Gen Z Gig Workers Rent Their Gig Platform Accounts to Unverified Users

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CHICAGO, Jan. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Consumers on the lower end of the K-shaped economy are st...

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AI Summary

Gig workers increasingly rent out accounts, risking security and fraud. 25% of gig workers have rented their accounts, especially younger generations. Only 45% find gig platforms' ID verification effective. 34% of workers report consumer fraud on gig platforms. TransUnion offers solutions to enhance identity verification and prevent fraud.

Sentiment Rationale

Increased focus on identity verification signals potential revenue growth for TransUnion’s solutions.

Trading Thesis

As fraud becomes more prominent, demand for security solutions will likely rise consistently over time.

Market-Moving

  • Gig workers increasingly rent out accounts, risking security and fraud.
  • 25% of gig workers have rented their accounts, especially younger generations.
  • Only 45% find gig platforms' ID verification effective.

Key Facts

  • Gig workers increasingly rent out accounts, risking security and fraud.
  • 25% of gig workers have rented their accounts, especially younger generations.
  • Only 45% find gig platforms' ID verification effective.
  • 34% of workers report consumer fraud on gig platforms.
  • TransUnion offers solutions to enhance identity verification and prevent fraud.

Companies Mentioned

  • FICO (FICO)
  • SYF (SYF)

Industry News

Growing concern for gig economy security underscores TransUnion's market relevance and growth potential.

TransUnion Reports Alarming Trend Among Gig Workers: Renting Accounts to Unverified Users

CHICAGO, Jan. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amid ongoing financial pressures within the K-shaped economy, a significant number of gig workers are resorting to renting or selling their platform accounts to unverified users. This alarming trend, spotlighted in TransUnion’s latest 2026 Gig Economy Worker Report, reveals that nearly one in four gig workers engage in this risky practice, primarily among younger generations.

Key Findings from the 2026 Gig Economy Worker Report

The comprehensive report by TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) outlines critical trends related to fraud experiences faced by gig earners across various platforms, such as ride-sharing, delivery services, digital freelancing, and caregiving.

Account Renting Trends by Generation

  • Overall: 25% of gig workers rent their accounts
  • Gen Z: 31%
  • Millennials: 31%
  • Gen X: 20%
  • Baby Boomers: 7%

Additionally, about 20% of all gig workers reported selling their accounts, with even higher percentages among younger demographics.

Risks Associated with Renting Accounts

Colleen Thiry, director of TransUnion’s gig economy business, noted, “Renting and selling worker accounts places consumers, workers, and platforms at risk.” The act of allowing unverified individuals to perform work can expose consumers to potential fraud and physical dangers, while also increasing liability risks for account owners and the platforms themselves.

Concerns Over Identity Verification

Less than half (45%) of gig workers believe that their platforms employ effective identity verification processes. This inadequacy poses significant threats of financial and physical harm to both workers and consumers.

How Gig Platforms are Combating Fraud

To address these issues, gig platforms are increasingly utilizing identity verification and device intelligence solutions. These methods help to ensure that workers are who they claim to be, effectively preventing account rental and fraud.

By combining strong identity data with device signals, these platforms can detect and block suspicious activity early, thereby protecting both workers and customers from fraudsters.

The Impact of Fraud on Gig Workers

Additionally, the report indicated that 34% of gig workers have reported being defrauded by consumers on these platforms. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety measures, including comprehensive identity verification for all users.

Recommended Measures for Improved Safety

Workers expressed the need for platforms to enhance security by verifying:

  • Identities
  • Devices
  • Delivery addresses
  • Biometrics

Conclusion

TransUnion's fraud prevention solutions, including their Identity Verification and Device Risk offerings, leverage proprietary device intelligence to create safer user experiences. By distinguishing between suspicious transactions and legitimate interactions, these solutions not only reduce fraud but also foster secure connections in the gig economy.

To delve deeper into the findings, the full 2026 Gig Economy Worker Report is available for download.

About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)

TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating across more than 30 countries. With a commitment to creating trust in the marketplace, TransUnion provides an actionable view of consumers through innovative solutions that encompass various sectors, including marketing, fraud detection, and advanced analytics.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Dave Blumberg
TransUnion
E-mail: david.blumberg@transunion.com
Telephone: 312-972-6646

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