white collar crime
White collar crimes are different from garden variety crimes because they are known for occurring in professional settings, such as businesses, corporations and other operations. A white collar criminal might blend in better with the average citizen, but if found out and convicted, can be sentenced to imprisonment just as any other criminal. Corporate scandals and high profile cases are often considered white collar crimes.
White collar crimes, unlike blue collar crimes, are not known to be violent in nature. They usually involve fraudulent ways to obtain money or other assets. Greed is at the root of white collar crime often. Business, corporate and government office environments present opportunities for white collar crime daily. This is because of the money that is involved in these situations.
When you hear about financial scandals and government corruption, you are hearing about white collar crime. White collar crime is usually associated with individuals who are financially privileged, compared to their blue collar counter parts.
The benefit of the white collar crime is not always the individual. Some of these crimes are committed in the interest of the agency, such as false advertising, company overcharges or price fixing.