The History Of Embezzlement

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Within this paper, embezzlement in America was researched in general and specific ways. The history of white-collar crime was discussed along with the formulation of embezzlement. The most popular cases dealing with embezzlement were mentioned and briefly analyzed. Along with the defining embezzlement, this paper lets readers know expected punishments for committing this crime and also discusses the variations of embezzlement as a crime. This paper also offers insight on how embezzlement can harm individuals, corporations, and communities. Keywords: white-collar crime, punishment, embezzlement, corporations

Embezzlement and white-collar crime has been in existence for as long as businesses have been in existence. It seems until recently, …show more content…

Embezzlement can occur not only if one defendant is involved, but if the distribution to third parties occurs.(Embezzelment,2014) Generally two types of embezzlement is discussed on a basis. The first is commonly referred to, “skim off the top.” The skim off the top method is a type of embezzlement process where individuals acquire small portions over an extended period of time. This method is used to reduce awareness from authorities and lessen the chance of getting caught. Other embezzlers choose the high risk/instant reward route of taking a large sum of money and disappear from the detection all together. As one could imagine, this method often leads to discovery by the authorities. (Embezzlement, 2014) Though these are the basic types of embezzlement, the processes in which offenders complete these basic forms of embezzlement are growing at rapid rates. Embezzlement is becoming a very common issue that our economy and country …show more content…

In actuality, the crime of embezzlement and white-collar crime in general impact the society around them heavily. When an organization suffers from fraudulent actions such as embezzlements, assuming the company does not shut down it must make up for lost profits. Unfortunately for the consumer that usually means upping prices of their good. If the previous statement is not feasible then the company must cut hours, or in severe cases, cut employees all together. Innocent employees could be unable to pay bills, loans, and credit scores could be ruined. In cases dealing with stock fraud, it can ultimately cause investors to lose faith in the stock market system meaning less financial flow circulating through the markets directly impacting companies nation wide. An example being the Enron scandal following misappropriation of investor’s money resulting in thousands of investor’s retirement accounts to be completely wiped clean. The financial stress that one undergoes following an event like embezzlement is unimaginable. Innocent people are forced completely abandon a somewhat comfortable lifestyle and future and re-evaluate their entire lifestyle. As one can obviously see, these crimes directly affect employees, consumers, and families in more ways than one.(McGrath,

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