Shell companies are companies that exist on paper but do not actually conduct any business or have real assets, employees, or income. However, they are often used to launder money, finance criminal activities, dodge taxes, and hide other dubious financial dealings. It is wrong to abuse this term and use it unfairly against someone who may be engaged in legitimate business transactions. Abusing the term does not help to accurately identify and address any of the major problems associated with shell companies.
