White collar crime is an umbrella term for a variety of criminal offenses typically committed by business owners and others in positions of financial authority. Physical force, threats and violence do not play a role in these types of crimes.
The Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse notes that instances of these crimes fell in 2018 and that prosecution numbers continue to fall as well.
There are several different government agencies that investigate suspected white collar crime activity because its range is so wide that it penetrates more than one federal zone. The number of investigative agencies is as numerous as types of white collar crimes and includes:
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation
- The United States Post Office
- The Social Security Administration
- The Internal Revenue Service
Immigration and human services agencies may also assist with reporting and investigating white collar crimes.
Crime type trends
Fraud is one of the most common white collar offenses, and this charge trended high in the fiscal year of 2018. The most common type of fraud for that year was radio, television and wire fraud. This was also the highest ranked type of white collar crime in 2017, likely because of its ability to reach a high number of consumers.
Instances of identity theft continue to rise with nearly 200 cases filed in 2018. This is the fifth most common type of white collar crime, as the internet and digital transactions may make it simpler to commit.
Instances of white collar crimes in the United States are at an all-time low, and data indicates the trend may continue.