White Collar Crime

White collar crime is a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status, typically within the course of his or her employment. The offender often violates a law while conducting his or her professional business. White collar crimes commonly include fraud, bribery, insider trading, embezzlement, computer crimes, misrepresentation through fraudulent advertisements, patent infringement, and copyright and trademark infringement. These crimes are acts characterized by deceit and concealment and are not dependent upon the application of physical force or violence. Further, they may be committed by individuals acting independently or by those who are part of a well-planned conspiracy. The objective of a white collar crime is usually obtaining money, property, or services, avoiding payment or loss of money, property, or services, securing a business, or pure personal advantage.