That's always been the case. Dumb crooks don't last long.
As to why they choose this way, over a "legitimate" (like dark pattern writing, or PID mining) vocation, there are many reasons.
I suspect that a big one, is the "blackball" effect, that having a conviction on your record will create. Once we are convicted, then we become unhireable, in many industries, so it's not like we have a choice. Also, the pay for nefarious work can be quite good.
Can confirm. Have read many articles about known gang members and drug lords. It usually starts with doing some dumb things at younger age and then struggle to find and keep a legal job.
As to why they choose this way, over a "legitimate" (like dark pattern writing, or PID mining) vocation, there are many reasons.
I suspect that a big one, is the "blackball" effect, that having a conviction on your record will create. Once we are convicted, then we become unhireable, in many industries, so it's not like we have a choice. Also, the pay for nefarious work can be quite good.