Maria, the producer, collects required signatures on an application and deposits the check into her personal account. What crime has she committed?

The act of depositing a check meant for insurance premiums into her personal account instead of the appropriate business account constitutes fraud. This is because Maria is engaging in deceptive practices, as she misled clients by not properly handling their payments in a manner consistent with the expectations of an insurance producer. Fraud involves an intentional act of deception for personal gain, and in this scenario, Maria's actions suggest an intent to misuse funds that should have been directed toward insurance policies.

The other options highlight different types of unethical behavior that do not directly fit the situation. Negligence refers to failing to take proper care in doing something, which does not capture the intention behind Maria's actions. Misrepresentation involves providing false information, but in this case, the focus is on the handling of funds rather than misleading statements about the insurance policy itself. Embezzlement specifically refers to the theft of funds placed in one’s trust, but it also implies a legal intent to permanently deprive the owner of the funds, which may not directly apply to the context of simply mishandling premium payments. Hence, fraud is the most appropriate conclusion as it encompasses the intent and action taken by Maria.