Which of the following is an example of a white-collar crime?

• A. Burglary
• B. Robbery
• C. Securities fraud
• D. Vandalism

Answer: (C)

White-collar crimes are deceitful, financially motivated offenses committed by individuals in professional or business settings, usually without any use of force. Securities fraud fits this idea perfectly because it involves spreading false or misleading information to investors, or breaching fiduciary duties to misuse someone’s funds. These actions are aimed at gaining money and typically rely on trust, appearance of legitimacy, and complex schemes within financial markets rather than physical force or property destruction. Common forms include misrepresentation on financial statements, insider trading, and Ponzi schemes, all carried out through business channels.

In contrast, the other examples describe offenses focused on property or violence. Burglary involves unlawfully entering a place to steal, which is a property crime. Robbery combines theft with force or threat, making it a violent or dangerous offense. Vandalism is about damaging property. These are typically categorized as property or violent crimes rather than white-collar crimes.