The federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a national agency dedicated to investigation federal crimes. Founded as a small team of special agents on July 26, 1908, the Bureau was first charged with enforcing the growing body of federal laws covering the United States as a whole. Almost from the beginning of its 100-year history, the Bureau has been the subject of legend and controversy. It has also evolved into a vast and sophisticated national law-enforcement agency. Whether as a federal crime-fighting force or a source of investigative support of local and state police forces, the modern FBI strives to embody its ideals of fidelity, bravery, and integrity. When is a basketball signed by retired superstar Michael Jordan not worth a cent? When the autograph is a forgery, that's when. White-collar crime includes any illegal action that deceives victims to gain money or property. From its early days, the FBI was involved in investigating crimes like embezzling funds from banks. In the 1970s, the Bureau put new emphasis on investigating a wide range of white-collar crimes. Today, agents across the country target criminals who victimize innocent investors, mortgage and insurance fraud rings, and insider trading in stocks.