Would a Cashless Society Change FBI Reward Offers for Fugitives?

Introduction

Imagine a scenario where the USA transitions to a completely cashless society. Would the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) feel compelled to offer larger reward money for their top 10 fugitives, such as a million dollars or more, to encourage people to turn them in? This article delves into the potential implications and addresses the question head-on.

Current Reward Structure and Limitations

People often believe that if rewards were substantial enough, people would come forward to reveal information about fugitives. While a reward of $100,000 might incentivize some individuals, it does not guarantee that every citizen will suddenly develop the ability to identify their neighbors as fugitives. The notion that such a high reward would make people more observant is unrealistic.

One possible outcome might be that people would ask for something tangible in return, which could lead to humorous scenarios, such as requesting a cow instead of cash. However, let's consider some more serious implications.

The Role of Cryptocurrencies

The transition to a cashless society doesn't eliminate the need for physical currency exchanges entirely. Instead, it introduces new digital forms like cryptocurrencies. Cashless technology like apps such as Cash and PayPal already facilitate cryptocurrency trading and exchanges between crypto and standard currencies.

As a result, a fugitive could maintain anonymity by using an alias account to receive funds from unknown sources and still engage in regular transactions with merchants. This digital transformation shifts the paradigm of criminal sustainability beyond physical cash, making the FBI's reward model less relevant.

Resiliency of Fugitives in Such a Society

While the idea that a complete absence of physical currency would eliminate crime is flawed, it does change the landscape for low-level crimes like theft and burglary. White-collar crimes, such as fraud or embezzlement, can generate much larger sums and have significant international implications, making them far more lucrative.

Would a fugitive in a cashless society be unable to sustain themselves without assistance? The answer is yes and no. Yes, they would need a consistent, wireless income stream to support their survival, but no, they can obtain this through the use of phonified bank accounts under false names. This flexibility means that they can switch accounts frequently and use different aliases to avoid detection.

Although this constant change in financial records increases the risk of exposure, fugitives can mitigate this risk by lying and maintaining an irregular pattern of financial transactions. New security measures by banks would be implemented, but these measures could be circumvented.

The Future of FBI Rewards

With the inevitability of a cashless society, the traditional system of offering rewards for fugitive information is likely to become obsolete. Modern technology allows the FBI to gather vast amounts of data and information in real-time, diminishing the value of DIY informants.

As a result, the concept of rewarding individuals to tip-off the authorities may reduce significantly. Any information that people might provide would already be available to the FBI through advanced surveillance and data analytics tools, rendering the reward system less effective and perhaps even irrelevant.

In conclusion, while the idea of a cashless society is intriguing, it doesn't necessarily mean that the FBI's reward system for fugitives will change fundamentally. Instead, it highlights the shifting dynamics of criminal behavior and the evolution of law enforcement strategies.