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What are Some Different Types of Internet Crimes?

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Although the Internet has made life easier in many ways, it’s smart to be concerned about Internet crimes. Computer crime is becoming a growing problem for law enforcement officials around the world. Unfortunately, since Internet crimes typically involve people from many different geographic areas, catching and punishing the guilty parties is a difficult task.

One of the most common types of Internet crime is identity theft. This crime involves unscrupulous individuals who attempt to steal your personal information for financial gain. They may empty your bank account, run up unauthorized credit card charges, or open new accounts in your name and never pay the bills that result. Identity theft Internet crimes are often accomplished through phishing or spoofing, the practice of creating fake web sites or e-mail messages that trick the victim into divulging personal information. Certain computer viruses may also be used to harvest personal information for identity theft crimes.

An ADSL modem, one of the ways to connect to the Internet.
An ADSL modem, one of the ways to connect to the Internet.

Employment or business opportunity Internet scams that pray on the desires of financially desperate individuals are becoming increasingly popular as well. These Internet crimes may involve asking the victim to illegally reship merchandise to overseas locations, make fraudulent wire transfers, or advertise non-existent merchandise for sale on behalf of a third party. Generally, if you see an advertisement promising large monetary rewards for a minimal amount of effort, it’s smart to be cautious. It is possible to make money online, but legitimate business opportunities require a substantial investment of your time and skill.

Making unauthorized copies of movies for friends is a form of copyright piracy.
Making unauthorized copies of movies for friends is a form of copyright piracy.

Cyberstalking is a type of Internet crime that is of particular concern for teenagers and young adults. Social networking websites such as MySpace make it very easy for criminals to learn private details about a victim’s hobbies, interests, friends, family, and daily schedule. Cyberstalking Internet crimes may also lead to sexual assault if the perpetrator is able to convince the victim to appear for a personal meeting.

Changing online banking passwords regularly may help prevent internet banking fraud.
Changing online banking passwords regularly may help prevent internet banking fraud.

To prevent yourself from becoming victim of Internet crimes, it’s important to remain alert when using your computer. Never give out personal information such as your full name, birth date, address, or Social Security number unless you understand what the information will be used for. In addition, remember that people you meet online may not always be representing themselves truthfully. Be suspicious of claims that seem exaggerated or hard to verify.

If you believe you are a victim of Internet crime, the best course of action is to file a formal complaint with the Internet Crime Compliant Center. Also known as IC3, this organization is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center. IC3 works with federal, state, local, and international law enforcement agencies to identify patterns in Internet crimes.

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the EasyTechJunkie team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

Learn more...
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the EasyTechJunkie team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon19269

I had a same incident with a man I met off the internet we became boyfriend and girlfriend and I started driving down to see him like every couple of days. He gave me permission to use his credit card and told me that God sends people in our lives to help and he was supposed to help me. Now he is saying that he did not give me permission and is accusing me of fraud. I had detectives at my apartment and everything. What should I do we were in a relationship and I have all of his emails, documentation that he gave me money, abortion papers and everything.

rukatrainer

My X-Boyfriend started contacting his credit card companies after I moved out ( I caught him cheating after 3 years of living together) and telling them that I used his credit cards without his permission. This is a bold lie. I did not use his credit cards. He Buys and Sells lots of stuff off E-Bay. He is telling them I was the one using his credit card. We also had a Chase credit card in both our names. 1 card in his name and 1 card in my name but both had the same numbers. He is telling chase ( after 3 years ) that he did not give me permission to use the card and that I signed up for the card on the net, not him. I don't know what to do to make him stop these false claims. Chase is now calling me, 4 months after I moved out and telling me that my X is accusing me of Fraud. What can I do to get this loser to stop telling lies about me using his credit cards???

Thanks,

rukatrainer

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