This study focused on the unseen, thus, unobservable rationalization process in the pre-fraud state. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a relationship was present between one's ability to rationalize and their traits of sympathy towards others with their intention to commit fraud. Fraud is costly and does not discriminate. The Fraud Triangle (FT) theory and other fraud models have solely focused on the behavioral aspect of rationalizing fraud without considering all the psychological and personality traits impact on that behavior. This study used a comparative, cross-sectional, quantitative design consisting of 184 business students, both undergraduate and graduate, enrolled at a regional university in the South. Two existing surveys that combined a hypothetical interpersonal fraud scenario with rationalization and intention Likert measurement items, along with traits of sympathy towards others Likert measurement items, were given to the students. The researcher hypothesized there was a relationship between one's ability to rationalize fraud, their traits of sympathy with their intention to commit fraud in the pre-fraud state. Multiple Linear Regression analysis revealed that sympathy and rationalization statistically significantly predicted intention to commit fraud. Furthermore, the researcher hypothesized there was interactions between gender, age, one's rationalization ability and traits of sympathy. However, a two-way MANOVA did not find an interaction. This work contributed to the argument that efforts to further understand the rationalization element in the pre-fraud state necessitates the exploration of the human psyche to increase knowledge of what remains hidden in the minds of potential fraudsters. This knowledge was needed to turn the focus on proactive measures to prevent fraud, and its devastating effects, from occurring. Organizations can use this information to expand anti-fraud programs. Future research should further examine other personality and psychological traits and their impact on the rationalization process. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]