In simple terms, embezzlement happens when someone legally entrusts you with a sum of money or a piece of property, and you use the money or property as if it were your own, for your own benefit. Embezzlement also takes place when a post office worker or the postmaster general himself steals letters and other mail from the post office. 80% of all embezzlement turns out to be the misappropriation of funds in the form of business assets like inventory and supplies, but often cash as well. Most of the people who are under investigation for this crime have gotten caught taking cash from business accounts, often by writing checks either to themselves or to a company they have set up. Petty cash is also a source that is frequently dipped into, and though the amount is not as large, stealing it is still considered embezzlement. When investigating embezzlement, anyone who has access to funds such as business secretaries, an attorney who has access to client financial information, a financial advisor, or even a spouse may be charged with this crime. Even if they are not convicted, just the charge of using funds and/or property not their own is a stigma that will follow them for the rest of their lives.