Which of the following is a white-collar crime as identified by FBI?
A) foreign lottery fraud
B) social security fraud
C) robbery
D) food and stamp fraud
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B) Social Security fraud.
Explanation:
White-collar crimes are generally non-violent crimes that are committed by individuals or organizations for financial gain. They are often carried out by people in positions of trust and authority, such as business professionals, government officials, or employees, which is why these crimes are typically associated with wealth and status rather than violence.
The FBI’s definition of white-collar crime includes crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and identity theft. These crimes often involve deceit, concealment, or violation of trust for financial gain.
Let’s break down the options:
- A) Foreign lottery fraud: This is a type of fraud often involving deceptive practices like convincing victims that they have won a lottery they did not enter. Although it’s a form of fraud, it’s typically not considered “white-collar” because it’s often perpetrated by scammers operating outside the traditional business or government frameworks.
- B) Social Security fraud: This is a classic example of a white-collar crime. It involves the illegal use of someone else’s social security number or information for financial gain, such as illegally claiming benefits or using false identities to obtain money. This type of fraud is often committed by individuals in professional roles or by people who exploit the social security system for personal or organizational profit.
- C) Robbery: Robbery is a violent crime where force or the threat of force is used to steal from someone. It is not considered a white-collar crime because it involves direct physical harm or the threat of harm, which distinguishes it from the non-violent nature of white-collar crimes.
- D) Food stamp fraud: While this involves fraudulent activity, it is not necessarily considered a white-collar crime in the same way as Social Security fraud. Food stamp fraud typically involves illegal activities related to government assistance programs, but it does not typically fit the traditional scope of white-collar crime because it is often committed by individuals in lower socioeconomic statuses, rather than professionals or people in positions of trust.
In conclusion, Social Security fraud (Option B) fits the definition of white-collar crime due to its involvement in deceit for financial gain and its typical connection to individuals or groups with professional or administrative roles.
