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

Rhea-AI Summary

TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) released its 2026 Gig Economy Worker Report on Jan. 15, 2026, highlighting identity and fraud risks as gig workers boost income by renting or selling platform accounts.

The report found 25% of gig workers rent accounts overall, with 31% of Gen Z and millennials doing so; 20% sell accounts overall and 34% of workers reported being defrauded by a consumer. Less than half (45%) said platforms have very effective ID verification.

The report recommends stronger identity verification and device intelligence to reduce fraud and protect workers and customers.

Positive

• 25% of gig workers report renting accounts
• 31% account rental rate for Gen Z and millennials
• 34% of workers reported consumer fraud experiences
• TransUnion promotes identity and device risk solutions

Negative

• Less than half (45%) view platform ID verification as very effective
• 20% of gig workers report selling accounts
• Unverified account use exposes workers and customers to harm

News Market Reaction

-0.28%

1 alert

-0.28% News Effect

On the day this news was published, TRU declined 0.28%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Overall account renting: 25% Gen Z renting rate: 31% Millennial renting rate: 31% +5 more

8 metrics

Overall account renting 25% Share of gig workers who rent their accounts

Gen Z renting rate 31% Gen Z gig workers who rent their accounts

Millennial renting rate 31% Millennial gig workers who rent their accounts

Overall account selling 20% Share of gig workers who sell their accounts

Gen Z selling rate 22% Gen Z gig workers who sell their accounts

Millennial selling rate 27% Millennial gig workers who sell their accounts

View platforms as very effective 45% Gig workers who rate ID verification as very effective

Workers defrauded by consumers 34% Gig workers reporting fraud by a consumer while working

Market Reality Check

Price: $74.14 Vol: Volume 1,354,833 is below...

low vol

$74.14 Last Close

Volume Volume 1,354,833 is below the 20-day average of 1,989,187 (subdued activity pre-news). low

Technical Price at $85.50 is trading slightly above the 200-day MA of $85.43, suggesting a stable longer-term trend before this report.

Peers on Argus

TRU was up 1.83% with below-average volume, while key peers like NDAQ (+2.02%), ...

TRU was up 1.83% with below-average volume, while key peers like NDAQ (+2.02%), MORN (+1.54%), FDS (+1.43%) and MSCI (+1.36%) also traded higher. However, the momentum scanner did not flag a coordinated sector move, indicating the reaction to this fraud-focused gig economy report may be more stock-specific.

Common Catalyst Only one peer (MORN) had same-day news, focused on an AI index launch, a different theme from TransUnion’s gig fraud and identity verification report.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 13 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 13	Earnings date notice	Neutral	-1.3%	Announced Q4 2025 earnings release and conference call timing.
Jan 08	Product/pricing update	Positive	+4.0%	2026 mortgage pricing initiative emphasizing lower costs for homebuyers.
Jan 05	Executive appointment	Positive	+4.3%	Named EVP of Global Consumer Solutions to drive TruEmpower strategy.
Dec 23	Board expansion	Positive	-1.3%	Added two AI- and cloud-focused directors, expanding board size to 12.
Dec 10	Macro/forecast update	Neutral	+3.7%	Released 2026 Consumer Credit Forecast with modest balance growth, stable delinquencies.

Pattern Detected

Recent history shows TRU often reacting positively to product/strategic news and management updates, with one notable divergence on a positive board appointment announcement.

Recent Company History

Over the past months, TransUnion has highlighted several strategic and governance developments. A Dec 10, 2025 2026 Consumer Credit Forecast outlining modest balance growth and stable delinquencies saw shares rise. Subsequent news in early Jan 2026 on new mortgage pricing and the appointment of an Executive Vice President for Global Consumer Solutions both coincided with gains. Board expansion with two technology-focused directors in Dec 2025 drew a small negative reaction. The current gig economy fraud report continues TransUnion’s pattern of publishing data-driven market insights.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights elevated fraud and account-sharing risks across the gig economy, with 2...

Analysis

This announcement highlights elevated fraud and account-sharing risks across the gig economy, with 25% of workers renting and 20% selling accounts, and 34% reporting consumer fraud. It reinforces the role of strong identity verification and device intelligence in protecting platforms, workers and end-users. In context with TransUnion’s recent credit forecasts and product initiatives, it underscores ongoing demand drivers for risk and identity solutions, while leaving core financial metrics and guidance unchanged in this release.

Key Terms

gig economy, identity verification, device intelligence, biometrics

4 terms

gig economy technical

"TransUnion report highlights new fraud trends in the gig economy"

A labor market made up of short-term, freelance, or on-demand work arranged through apps and platforms rather than traditional full-time jobs. For investors, the gig economy matters because it changes where and how consumers spend, affects companies’ labor costs and flexibility, and creates business opportunities for platforms that connect workers and customers — think of it as a marketplace that replaces steady employment with pay-per-task arrangements.

identity verification technical

"Gig platforms use identity verification and device intelligence solutions"

Identity verification is the process companies use to confirm that a person is who they claim to be, typically by checking IDs, biometric data, or trusted databases. For investors, it matters because effective verification reduces fraud and legal risk, speeds customer onboarding, and protects a firm's reputation—much like a bouncer checking IDs at a club to keep the place safe and compliant with rules.

device intelligence technical

"Gig platforms use identity verification and device intelligence solutions"

Device intelligence is the smart software and built-in processing that lets a physical device collect data, learn from it, and make useful decisions without constant human input. Think of a thermostat that learns your schedule and adjusts temperatures automatically; for investors, device intelligence can boost product value, create new revenue streams, lower operating costs, and raise regulatory and security considerations that affect long‑term returns.

biometrics technical

"Workers wanted platforms to verify identities, devices, delivery addresses and biometrics"

Biometrics are measurable physical or behavioral traits—like fingerprints, facial features, voice patterns, heart rate or gait—that uniquely identify or monitor a person, similar to how a key or signature proves identity. Investors care because biometric technology drives products and services in security, payments and health monitoring, affecting revenue opportunities, adoption trends and regulatory or privacy risks that can influence a company’s value and future growth.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

TransUnion report highlights new fraud trends in the gig economy

CHICAGO, Jan. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Consumers on the lower end of the K-shaped economy are struggling under financial pressures. In response, gig workers are boosting their incomes by renting or outright selling access to their accounts, allowing unverified users to perform work in their names. Gig work includes ride sharing, delivery, digital freelancing, caregiving and other services.

These findings are part of TransUnion’s (NYSE: TRU) latest 2026 Gig Economy Worker Report, which highlights several trends related to fraud experiences among earners on gig platforms. The report found one in four gig workers have rented their accounts, with younger workers more likely to engage in the practice.

“Renting and selling worker accounts places consumers, workers and platforms at risk,” said Colleen Thiry, director of TransUnion’s gig economy business. “Allowing someone who has not been vetted and verified to provide services leaves consumers prone to fraud and physical danger, and it exposes the account owner and the platform to liability for any harm that occurs.”

Percentage of Gig Workers Who Rent or Sell Their Accounts by Generation

	Overall	Gen Z	Millennial	Gen X	Baby Boomer
Rent	25%	31%	31%	20%	7%
Sell	20%	22%	27%	14%	7%

The report found less than half (45%) of gig workers think gig platforms have very effective ID verification processes. Both earners and consumers face potential physical and financial harm without robust identity verification protecting both sides of gig platforms.

Gig platforms use identity verification and device intelligence solutions to ensure that every worker is who they claim to be, which helps prevent account rental and fraud. These solutions combine strong identity data and device signals to detect and block suspicious activity early. By doing this, platforms can maintain trust and protect both workers and customers from bad actors. 

Earners on gig platforms also experience fraud and abuse from consumers on the platforms, with 34% reporting that they have been defrauded by a consumer while working. Workers who experienced fraud have higher expectations for platforms to protect their personal safety while working. Workers wanted platforms to verify identities, devices, delivery addresses and biometrics as part of onboarding for both users and workers. 

TransUnion’s Identity Verification and Device Risk solutions help combat fraud by leveraging proprietary device intelligence to deliver safer, more seamless customer experiences. By analyzing device recognition, context, and behavior, Device Risk distinguishes suspicious transactions from trusted digital interactions in real time. This approach not only reduces fraud but also builds secure connections and personalized, friction-right user-experiences. 

Download the full 2026 Gig Economy Worker Report here.

About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)
TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good^® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world. http://www.transunion.com/business

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

FAQ

What did TransUnion report on Jan. 15, 2026 about gig account rentals for TRU?

TransUnion reported 25% of gig workers rent accounts overall and 31% for Gen Z and millennials.

How common is selling gig accounts according to the 2026 TransUnion report (TRU)?

The report found 20% of gig workers sell access to their accounts.

What share of gig workers reported consumer fraud in the TransUnion 2026 report (TRU)?

34% of gig workers said they were defrauded by a consumer while working.

How do gig workers rate platform ID verification in the TransUnion 2026 report (TRU)?

Less than half, 45%, said gig platforms have very effective ID verification processes.

What solutions does TransUnion recommend to reduce gig platform fraud (TRU)?

The report recommends combined identity verification and device intelligence to detect and block suspicious activity.