Final answer:
White-collar crimes are not accurately described as victimless because they can cause substantial economic and psychological harm to individuals and society; they are nonviolent financial crimes committed by professionals and managers.
Step-by-step explanation:
White-collar crimes are often considered nonviolent financial crimes, such as embezzlement, insider trading, and identity theft, and are not accurately described as victimless crimes. They are typically committed by individuals in professional and managerial roles, hence the term 'white-collar'.
These crimes can have significant repercussions, causing vast financial harm to individuals, organizations, and society at large. While the perpetrators might not be inflicting physical harm, the economic and psychological impact on victims can be severe.
An example that contrasts with the notion of white-collar crimes being victimless is the case of Bernie Madoff, whose Ponzi scheme led to an estimated $50 billion in losses for investors, highlighting the substantial harm these crimes can cause.
Therefore, the correct answer to the statement 'White-collar crimes can be defined as victimless crimes committed by affluent, "respectable" individuals' is b) False.