Pink-collar crimes are a lesser-known but rapidly growing form of white-collar crime — and they’re predominantly committed by women. These crimes often occur in workplaces where women in low to mid-level positions — like bookkeepers, clerks, or secretaries — have access to sensitive financial information but not positions of power.
That access, combined with trust, is often all it takes.
Key characteristics:
- Committed mostly by women
- Involves financial fraud or theft
- Often targets small businesses or employers
- Relies on trust and insider access
Who Are the Victims?
As with white-collar crimes, pink-collar crimes don’t always have one obvious victim. Typically, the financial losses impact a company, nonprofit organization, or a group of investors.
But unlike crimes committed by distant executives pink-collar crimes feel deeply personal.
These aren’t nameless corporate thieves — they’re often:
- A co-worker who feels more like family than an associate
- A secretary who visits your home
- An assistant who remembers your birthday
The emotional betrayal adds a layer of damage that goes beyond any bank statement.
Common Examples of Pink-Collar Crime
While these crimes vary, the most common types include:
- Embezzlement
When a trusted employee steals money or assets, often by manipulating accounts, writing unauthorized checks, or funneling payments to personal accounts.
- Forgery
The creation of false documents or signatures to mislead employers or financial institutions. This can include faking invoices, altering checks, or fabricating receipts.
These crimes can go unnoticed for months — even years — until a business’s financial health is suddenly in jeopardy.
Real-World Example: Mark Cuban and MicroSolutions
Even billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has fallen victim to pink-collar crime.
Early in his career, while running his first company, MicroSolutions, Cuban discovered that his receptionist was embezzling funds. Instead of sending checks to vendors, she changed the name on the checks to her own using correction fluid — and cashed them herself.
In a single day, the company’s bank account dropped from $84,000 to $2,000.
By the time Cuban contacted the bank, the money was gone.
Ever the optimist, Cuban said this was the best thing that ever happened to him because it forced them to take a look at his practices and make changes that ultimately led the companies later success..
Why Pink-Collar Crimes Matter
Pink-collar crime often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. It happens in daycares, doctor’s offices, churches, schools, and small businesses — places that rely on trust more than oversight.
And while the dollar amounts may not always be as substantial as white collar crimes, the consequences are very real:
- Shuttered businesses
- Lost jobs
- Betrayed communities
Raising awareness is the first step toward prevention. Implementing internal checks, regular audits, and promoting financial transparency can help protect businesses from internal theft.
Final Thoughts
Pink-collar crimes show how access, trust, and opportunity can be a dangerous combination — especially when no one is watching.
By understanding how these crimes happen and who they affect, businesses and communities can take proactive steps to prevent them.