When we think of white collar crimes, men such as Bernie Madoff and Charles Ponzi come to mind. These types of criminal offenses have been glamorized in movies, television, and in popular culture. While these criminals appear to be heroes, they are actually the opposite. Additionally, there are many things you may not know about white collar crimes.
The following are three facts about white collar crimes that you may not know about:
- “White collar” came from actual white collars – Office workers typically wear white-collared shirts since they do not have many opportunities to make them dirty. And, if they do get their shirt dirty, they are able to afford to take them to the cleaners. Since professions and office positions are known as white collar jobs, white collar crimes involve those of respectability and high social status.
- White collar criminals are typically men in their forties – While anyone is capable of committing a white collar crime, the most common offenders are typically white, college graduates, and in their forties. Men are more than twice as likely to commit fraud and other white collar crimes compared to women.
- White collar crimes are not victimless crimes – Although we associate crimes with violence, people often claim that white collar crimes do not necessarily have victims. However, the true victim of white collar crimes in the U.S. economy. Every year, white collar crimes cost the American people more than $200 billion.
If you have been arrested for a white collar crime in Northern California, request a free consultation with our Fresno criminal defense attorney at The Law Office of Brian C. Andritch today.