What do you call a person who embezzled money?
Asked by: Prof. Chase Kerluke | Last update: January 28, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (38 votes)
A person who embezzles money is called an embezzler, a peculator, or a defalcator, essentially someone who fraudulently steals funds or property that were entrusted to their care, violating that trust for personal gain, often in a position of responsibility like accounting or management.
What do you call someone who embezzled money?
The word embezzle comes from an Old French word meaning "maltreat or ravage," besillier, and an embezzler can be said to ravage someone else's money. Definitions of embezzle. verb. appropriate (as property entrusted to one's care) fraudulently to one's own use.
What is the legal term for embezzlement?
California Penal Code (CPC) §503 – Embezzlement –Embezzlement occurs in California when a person commits a fraud in order to take property that has been entrusted to him or her. Embezzlement is actually charged as either Grand or Petty Theft.
What is another word for embezzlement?
Definitions of embezzlement. noun. the fraudulent appropriation of funds or property entrusted to your care but actually owned by someone else. synonyms: defalcation, misapplication, misappropriation, peculation.
What is the word for illegally taking money?
Embezzlement. Illegally taking money entrusted to an individual or organization for personal use.
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What is an act of misappropriation of money called?
Embezzlement refers to the intentional misappropriation of money, funds, or property that has been entrusted to someone, often in a fiduciary or professional capacity.
What are the three types of frauds?
Three common categories of fraud, especially in corporate settings, are asset misappropriation, bribery and corruption, and financial statement fraud, but other classifications include types like identity theft, first-party fraud, and investment fraud, depending on the focus (e.g., perpetrator, victim, or method).
What happens to someone who embezzled money?
If you embezzle money, you face severe criminal and civil penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, mandatory restitution (repaying the stolen funds), asset forfeiture, and a permanent criminal record that destroys future employment prospects, especially in finance, and can even affect immigration status. Consequences escalate with the amount stolen, ranging from misdemeanors for smaller sums to felonies with significant prison sentences for larger amounts, and can result in job loss, professional license revocation, and deep personal financial ruin.
Who is the most common victim of embezzlement?
Unfortunately, small businesses are at an even greater risk than their larger counterparts. Researchers with the Hiscox Embezzlement Study report white collar criminals most often embezzle from small and mid-sized businesses.
What class felony is embezzlement?
In the example statute listed above, a Class I Felony Embezzlement charge may result in a fine of $1,000 and a prison sentence of 1-3 years. A more serious charge such as a Class G felony charge might result in a fine of $5,000 and a prison sentence of 5 years.
Is $5000 considered money laundering?
A $5,000 transaction * can* be considered money laundering if done with criminal intent or knowledge that funds are from illegal activities, especially if it's part of a series of transactions (e.g., over $5,000 in 7 days, or $25,000 in 30 days under some laws) to disguise illicit proceeds, but simply depositing $5,000 legally earned money isn't inherently illegal, though it might trigger bank scrutiny. The key is intent and the context of illegal activity, not just the amount, though specific reporting thresholds for banks exist (like $10,000 for IRS cash reporting).
What are the four elements of embezzlement?
To obtain a conviction for embezzlement in California, four elements must be jointly proved:
- An owner entrusted his property to the defendant.
- The owner did so because he trusted the defendant.
- The defendant fraudulently converted or used the property for his use.
- The defendant intended to deprive the owner of its use.
How to prove someone is embezzling money?
To convict someone of embezzlement, prosecutors must prove four key elements:
- A relationship of trust existed between you and the alleged victim (e.g., employer, client, partner)
- You were entrusted with their property or funds.
- You fraudulently took or used that property for your own benefit.
What is a fancy word for stealing?
Common synonyms for stealing include thieving, robbing, pilfering, embezzling, lifting, pinching, swiping, filching, and purloining, with many informal or specific terms like heisting, nicking, snitching, looting, plundering, ripping off, or appropriating, depending on the context (e.g., taking money, stealing from a store, or taking ideas).
What type of person embezzles money?
Understanding the psychological factors involved can help businesses identify potential risks and implement preventive measures: Personality Traits: Research suggests that individuals with certain personality traits, such as narcissism, impulsivity, and a lack of empathy, may be more prone to embezzlement.
What is a fancy word for secret keeper?
Synonyms for "secret keeper" often center on trust and discretion, with confidant/confidante being the most direct, meaning someone trusted with secrets; other good options include trusted friend, close friend, trustee, steel trap (informal), lip-zipper, or simply describing them as discreet, tight-lipped, or mum.
How can you tell if someone is embezzling?
If you suspect embezzlement, start by reviewing your company's financial records. Look for unusual transactions, missing funds, altered documents, or unauthorized withdrawals. Discrepancies in bookkeeping, excessive personal expenses charged to the business, or unexplained vendor payments may also indicate fraud.
Can you sue someone for financial exploitation?
If an abusive partner (to whom you are not married) failed to re-pay money that you lent to him/her or failed to make credit card or loan payments that s/he agreed to, you may be able to take the abuser to small claims court to sue for that money.
What is the psychology behind embezzlement?
Stress and Desperation: Anxiety about financial problems can cloud judgment and lead to impulsive or calculated acts of theft. Gradual Escalation: Many embezzlers start by taking small amounts, rationalizing that they will pay it back. Over time, as they avoid detection, the theft escalates.
Is embezzled money taxable income?
Embezzled funds are included as income of the embezzler and subject to federal income tax.
Is embezzlement a big crime?
Yes, embezzlement is a very serious crime, classified as a white-collar offense, carrying severe penalties like significant prison time, hefty fines, full restitution, and long-term collateral consequences such as a permanent criminal record that damages career prospects and civil rights. The severity depends on the amount stolen but often involves breach of trust, making it particularly damaging to victims and leading to substantial legal and professional fallout.
What is the most common form of embezzlement?
Cash Embezzlement
The most common type, cash embezzlement occurs when employees pocket cash payments, manipulate records, or skim money before it is recorded. This often happens in retail, hospitality, and service industries where cash transactions are frequent.
What is the punishment for fraudulently?
Fraud Penalties Can Be Severe
Many frauds are felonies, meaning that they can subject you to years in a state prison and fines in the tens of thousands of dollars. While most of the fraud laws carry their own penalties, some are prosecuted under sections of the Penal Code as though they were thefts.
What happens to people who embezzle money?
If you embezzle money, you face severe criminal and civil penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, mandatory restitution (repaying the stolen funds), asset forfeiture, and a permanent criminal record that destroys future employment prospects, especially in finance, and can even affect immigration status. Consequences escalate with the amount stolen, ranging from misdemeanors for smaller sums to felonies with significant prison sentences for larger amounts, and can result in job loss, professional license revocation, and deep personal financial ruin.
Is embezzlement hard to prove?
Usually, they're not going to prosecute somebody for embezzlement unless it involves a decent amount of funds or goods that are being stolen. If the police and prosecutors have the evidence, it's pretty simple to prove these cases.