What are white-collar crimes commonly characterized by?

White-collar crimes are commonly characterized by being non-violent crimes committed primarily for financial gain. This definition encompasses a range of fraudulent activities, such as embezzlement, insider trading, and identity theft, which are often perpetrated in business or professional contexts. Unlike violent crimes, white-collar crimes do not involve physical harm to individuals but instead exploit trust and business relationships to achieve economic benefit. By targeting institutions or individuals in a non-violent manner, these crimes can often have widespread consequences on the economy and public trust.

This understanding clarifies why the other choices do not accurately define white-collar crimes. The first option describes violent acts, which are not associated with the essence of white-collar crime. The third choice focuses on crimes that cause physical harm, which is characteristic of violent crime rather than white-collar crime. Finally, the last option mentions acts of vandalism and theft, which are typically considered property crimes rather than the non-violent financial crimes that define the category of white-collar offenses.