This book covers a broad spectrum in order to illustrate the pervasiveness of upper world criminality across a extensive range of institutions, including business, government, the medical profession, and even religious organizations and involving a remarkably diverse set of actors—including executives, doctors, politicians, and computer hackers. The authors have attempted to infuse each chapter with a historical perspective by describing some selected cases from the past in order to illustrate that white-collar crime is not solely a contemporary social problem but has a long and vivid history.
I. The History of a Concept
a) Ponzi’s - Whereby investors' returns are paid for directly by later investors' investments, giving the false impression that the investment is viable.
b) The Great Depression - was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II.
c) Tax Fraud - intentionally violate your own legal duty to voluntarily file income tax returns and/or pay the accurate amount of income, employment and excise taxes that you owe.
d) Embezzlement - The fraudulent conversion of property from a property owner.
II. Measuring White-Collar Crime
a) Cross-Sectional Studies
b) Industry-Specific Studies
c) Victimization Surveys
III. The Costs of White-Collar Crime
IV. Public Perception of White-Collar Crime
V. About this Book
CHAPTER 2. CRIMES AGAINST CONSUMERS
Chapter 2 focuses on some of the deceptive practices that affect many of us directly as consumers. Consumer fraud is the most prolific of all white-collar crimes. A variety of examples is presented of scams perpetrated by crooked auto repairmen, slick telemarketers, and sleazy merchants. Also, emphasized is how some unlawful schemes are carried out at high corporate levels in the form of price fixing, price gouging, and false advertising.
I. Dial F for Fraud
II. The Myth of the Free Market
III. Consumer Fraud
a. Auto-Repair Rip-Offs
b. Telemarketing Fraud