NCJ Number
140374
Date Published
1992
Length
20 pages
Annotation
The public's knowledge of reporting procedures for white-collar crime as well as views why individuals do or do not pursue the possibility of criminal remedies were studied using data from complaints made to a major California county fraud unit regarding consumer and major fraud.
Abstract
The research used government records, interviews, and a survey of 302 individuals who complained during a 114-day period to the Consumer Protection and Major Fraud Unit of the Orange County District Attorney's office. The mailed survey received a 30 percent response rate. Results revealed that a painstaking process was involved in obtaining access to the fraud unit. More than one-third of the individuals were referred by other officials, with some individuals contacting three or more agencies before finally speaking with the unit's receptionists. Prior to their complaints, more than one-third of the complainants may have been unaware of the existence of the fraud unit. In addition, only 30-percent of those who originally complained eventually filed a formal action. Victims who officially filed complaints appeared to do so because they believed that the prosecutor's police powers would be used against offenders to protect consumers. The results of this and previous research suggest a significant difference between complainants to a criminal prosecutor's office and individuals who seek civil or administrative solutions. Thus, findings indicate that fraud units such as that in Orange County provide a service beyond that which is available from civil courts and mediation efforts. Tables and 13 references