NCJ Number
126500
Date Published
1990
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video defines and describes instances of white-collar crime, profiles offenders, and suggests preventive measures.
Abstract
White-collar crime is defined as fraud whereby offenders persuade victims to give them money based on the fraudulent promise of goods, services, or investment return. Examples of white-collar crime portrayed include a clergyman's investment scam through his church and construction scams. Based on interviews with white-collar crime victims and a prosecutor of white-collar crime, the white-collar criminal is profiled. Offenders run the gamut from trusted members of the community to "fly-by-night" con artists. They typically have the common characteristics of salesmanship, manipulation, intuitive perception of victim vulnerability, risk-taking, amoral character, charisma, and passive anger. They are obsessed with wealth and its symbols. The video advises persons to prevent their own victimization by conducting thorough background checks on persons and businesses with whom they are considering investing large sums of money. Detailed steps for conducting such background checks are described.