Which practice would likely result in legal repercussions if someone was found guilty?

Securities fraud is the practice of misrepresenting information investors use to make decisions, typically involving publicly traded securities. This type of fraudulent behavior can take many forms, such as insider trading, providing false information in financial statements, or misleading investors about a company's financial health. Because securities fraud undermines the integrity of financial markets and exploits investors, it is taken very seriously by regulatory bodies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Those found guilty of securities fraud can face significant legal repercussions, including hefty fines, criminal charges that may lead to imprisonment, and civil penalties.

In contrast, the other options listed do not inherently involve illegal behavior. Frictional unemployment refers to the time it takes for individuals to transition between jobs, a natural aspect of the job market. Wage garnishments are legal processes where a portion of an employee's wages is withheld to pay off debts or obligations, often determined through a court order. Routine buying behavior is simply consumer behavior that reflects regular purchasing patterns and does not involve fraudulent or illegal activities. Thus, while they can all be significant in their respective contexts, only securities fraud is associated with potential legal consequences.