Embezzlement takes place when a person uses funds for a different purpose than they were intended to be used. Embezzlers might create bills and receipts for activities that did not occur and then use the money paid for personal expenses. Ponzi schemes are an example of embezzlement.

What embezzlement means?

Definition. Fraudulent taking of personal property by someone to whom it was entrusted. Most often associated with the misappropriation of money. Embezzlement can occur regardless of whether the defendant keeps the personal property or transfers it to a third party.

What is embezzlement example?

One example of embezzlement would be if a store clerk took money from transactions. In this case, the money would be the property of the business, but the clerk opted to take the money to use for himself or herself. Another example is if a payroll clerk creates fake employees and pays those fake employees.