White-Collar Crime

Victor and John work as software installers and program developers in the computer division of the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSA purchased software which was customarily installed by both Victor and John. SSA was licensed to make copies of the software for use by their employees during their employment, but not for resale to the public or for profit.

Victor and John are also partners in a small computer business. Victor started using some SSA software in his business, without the knowledge or consent of SSA. He told John that he would use it only for testing and not for profit. However, the "testing" of the software generated profit for their business. John did not want to continue using the software without SSA consent. Victor believed the SSA would not grant permission and convinced John not to disclose their secret use of the software.

Research business law in regard to software use using your textbook, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet. Based on the facts of the case and research, respond to the following questions:

• What white-collar crimes, if any, did Victor and John commit? Explain each individual's crime separately.
• What ethical leadership and management violation has Victor committed? Explain.
• What legal protection is available to John if he decides to inform the SSA about the software use? Explain.