Following an overview of the dimensions of fraud, fraud against the Govenment, against business, and against individuals is examined. The discussion of fraud against the Government considers benefit program fraud, a case study of provider fraud in the nursing home industry, fraud in Government contracts, a case study of the General Services Administration self-service stores, and a case study of the fraud perpetrated by Spiro T. Agnew. Following a general discussion of fraud against business, a case study of arson for profit is considered. The consideration of fraud against individuals examines the Rio Rancho (N. Mex.) real estate swindle. The discussion of the detection and investigation of fraud explores victim strategies, law enforcement strategies, and a case study of investigating arson for profit. The consideration of prosecution under the law of fraud examines the historical background of larceny and fraud, the model penal code approach, and the Federal law of fraud. The post-industrial economy is indicated to be rife with opportunities for illegal gain through deception; white-collar as well as organized crime offenders always are willing to exploit human and institutional weaknesses. The criminal justice system, already overburdened with preserving security from street crime, is viewed as incapable, as presently constituted, of effectively policing the marketplace. Innovative law enforcement techniques are required. The enactment of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, along with the creation of special prosecutors and Inspectors General offices are some of the actions that hold promise for meeting the threat of white-collar fraud. Footnotes are provided.