Common White-Collar Crimes in North Carolina (2025)

By W. James Payne Law Firm

White-collar crimes are non-violent offenses of a financial nature that individuals, corporate workers, and public officials can be accused of. Such crimes can seriously damage not only businesses and financial institutions but also the public’s trust. By understanding the most common white-collar crimes in North Carolina, citizens, and organizations can work to identify such offenses, as well as work to protect themselves against unnecessary and damaging charges.

Understanding the White-Collar Crime Landscape in North Carolina

White-collar crimes can take place in a wide range of settings, from corporate to business to government, with different individuals and groups across the spectrum being implicated. State-specific data regarding white-collar crimes in the state of North Carolina is limited, but the most common crimes can be estimated using national reports and an analysis of North Carolina’s economy and workforce.

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) reports that the most common national white-collar crimes are embezzlement, fraud, money laundering, and bribery. Given North Carolina’s overwhelming manufacturing, professional, finance, and healthcare industries, it is expected that these are likely the most commonly committed white-collar crimes in the state as well, mirroring federal patterns. These crimes cost businesses millions each year.

Because of the sophisticated nature of white-collar crimes, they are typically investigated and prosecuted at both the federal and state levels. Agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and North Carolina Attorney General’s Office are commonly involved and may even work together.

Common White-Collar Crimes in North Carolina

Based on national reports from the ACFE and other studies reporting on white-collar crimes, North Carolina is most likely affected by these common financial offenses:

• 1. Embezzlement
  Embezzlement involves the misappropriation of funds that are entrusted to the offender by an organization or employer. These types of crimes are commonly seen in sectors linked to health care, banking, and corporations. An example of embezzlement in North Carolina includes a financial offer to transfer funds from their company into their personal bank account.
• 2. Fraud (Various Types)
  Fraud cases are commonly encountered in North Carolina, with individuals commonly being charged with bank fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, and healthcare fraud. For example, if a medical provider overbills for medical services that were not provided or that were unnecessary, this could constitute healthcare fraud.
• 3. Money Laundering
  Money laundering includes hiding the origins of money that was obtained through illegal means by trying to conceal it through legitimate bank accounts, businesses, or offshore accounts. These offenses are commonly linked to other serious crimes, such as financial fraud schemes, organized crime, and drug trafficking.
• 4. Insider Trading
  Insider trading happens when a person sells or buys securities based on material, non-public information that they know about a financial entity. Such offenses are commonly seen in North Carolina’s large banking and finance sector. An insider trading example would be a CEO selling their personal stock in the company before announcing that they are going bankrupt.

Other Notable White-Collar Crimes in North Carolina

Other white-collar crimes that are commonly seen in North Carolina include bribery, public corruption, tax evasion, identity theft, forgery, counterfeiting, perjury, and obstruction of justice. If you believe that you are under investigation for white-collar crimes or are facing charges in the state, you could be facing life-altering penalties. Therefore, it’s crucial to act fast to defend your rights and interests.

FAQs

What Are the Most Common White-Collar Crimes in North Carolina?

Similar to national trends, the common white-collar crimes in North Carolina are likely embezzlement, fraud, money laundering, bribery, tax evasion, identity theft, forgery, counterfeiting, insider trading, and perjury or obstruction of justice. As state-specific data is limited, these crimes are based on assumptions of national fraud statistics from organizations such as the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

Why Are White-Collar Crimes Prevalent in North Carolina?

White-collar crimes are prevalent in North Carolina due to the major industries that make up the economy, such as finance, manufacturing, biotechnology, and healthcare. This opens up the opportunity for employees, administrators, and managers to make financial errors that could implicate them in serious crimes. For example, there is an increased risk of bank fraud and insider trading due to the large finance and banking sector in the state.

How Are White-Collar Crimes Investigated in North Carolina?

White-collar crimes are investigated in North Carolina by both federal and state agencies that commonly work together to expose suspected individuals or organizations. Associated agencies may include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and North Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Investigations may involve various tactics, ranging from forensic accounting to audits.

What Are the Penalties for White-Collar Crimes in North Carolina?

Penalties for white-collar crimes in North Carolina are dependent on various factors, including the nature and severity of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and the experience of their legal representative. Penalties may include civil penalties from agencies like the SEC or IRS, thousands or even millions in fines and restitution, long periods of incarceration, asset forfeiture, and permanent bans from holding public offices or working in finance.

How Does North Carolina Compare to National White-Collar Crime Trends?

North Carolina’s crime trends compare significantly with national trends, based on suggestions from reports from the ACFE. Although state-specific crime data is minimal, national statistics applied to North Carolina’s industry landscape suggest that asset misappropriation is the most commonly seen form of fraud, which also comes with lower financial losses, while corruption-related crimes tend to be more damaging to businesses.

Protect Against White-Collar Crime Charges in North Carolina With a Skilled Attorney

If you or a loved one is facing charges for white collar crime in North Carolina, you are likely feeling not only overwhelmed but also devastated and unsure of how to defend yourself. The empathetic and highly knowledgeable legal white collar crime attorney at W. James Payne Law Firm understands just how challenging it can be to face such charges and is here to help you fight back. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you defend your rights and freedoms.