NCJ Number
146105
Date Published
1993
Length
42 pages
Annotation
The author examines the link between cash and crime, and envisions what a cashless society might be like.
Abstract
One method for eliminating cash would be to establish a federally operated electronic money system. It could seem inconvenient, particularly for small transactions, but the positive benefits would be much more significant. With cash eliminated, millions of crimes committed to acquire cash or that depend on the untraceability of cash might also be eliminated. The underground economy--including the narcotics trade--would be particularly affected, as it deals mostly in cash. Tax evasion would become more difficult. There are associated concerns, not the least of which are the potential for government abuse of information and the compromising of individual privacy. However, the sheer volume of information would make monitoring of individuals impractical. Further, the government already has monitoring methods, such as tapping telephone lines, that are severely limited by law, as would be with an electronic money system. 4 tables