Chazal say רובן בגזל - Most people steal. That hasn't changed... Not everybody robs banks but people cheat on their taxes, overcharge, use office property for themselves etc. etc.
An Israeli researcher wrote a book about the various forms of dishonesty. Here is an excerpt.
Not too long ago, one of my students named Peter told me a story that captures our misguided efforts to decrease dishonesty rather nicely. One day, Peter locked himself out of his house, so he called around to find a locksmith. It took him a while to find one who was certified by the city to unlock doors. The locksmith finally pulled up in his truck and picked the lock in about a minute. “I was amazed at how quickly and easily this guy was able to open the door,” Peter told me.
Not too long ago, one of my students named Peter told me a story that captures our misguided efforts to decrease dishonesty rather nicely. One day, Peter locked himself out of his house, so he called around to find a locksmith. It took him a while to find one who was certified by the city to unlock doors. The locksmith finally pulled up in his truck and picked the lock in about a minute. “I was amazed at how quickly and easily this guy was able to open the door,” Peter told me.
Then he passed on a little lesson in morality he learned from the locksmith that day. In response to Peter’s amazement, the locksmith told Peter that locks are on doors only to keep honest people honest. “One percent of people will always be honest and never steal,” the locksmith said. “Another one percent will always be dishonest and always try to pick your lock and steal your television. And the rest will be honest as long as the conditions are right—but if they are tempted enough, they’ll be dishonest too. Locks won’t protect you from the thieves, who can get in your house if they really want to. They will only protect you from the mostly honest people who might be tempted to try your door if it had no lock.” After reflecting on these observations, I came away thinking that the locksmith was probably right. It’s not that 98 percent of people are immoral or will cheat any time the opportunity arises; it’s more likely that most of us need little reminders to keep ourselves on the right path.
[Dan Arieli - The Honest Truth About Dishonesty]
