Internet Crimes

April 25th, 2008

Internet crimes have been a more and more prominent crime in the US in the last few years. Internet crime is defined as a crime that is committed on, using, or by means of the internet as a tool. Internet crime is can range anywhere from credit card fraud to child pornography and anywhere in between. All of these internet related crimes can happen to anyone and are happening out there everyday.

The different types of internet crimes are:

Phishing

Credit Card Frauds

Illegal downloading

Industrial espionage

Child Pornography

Kidnapping children via Chat rooms

Harassment, scams, cyber terrorism via the internet

Creation and/or distribution of viruses, spam, and identity theft

The list of different crimes can go on because of all the possibilities that are happening. Many different people have begun to use the internet as a tool to for all these different types of crimes. Phishing is defined as someone trying to obtain sensitive information, such as Bank accounts or credit card details, using secure electronic companies. Credit card fraud is obtaining someone’s personal information and impersonating them while using their credit card information.

Illegal Downloading is when someone downloads any type of software, music, or movies without paying for any of it while ignoring the copyright that is on the product. Industrial espionage is when someone tries to obtain information that is very top secret and not know by very many people at all. Child Pornography is defined as taking photographs or videos of sexual acts being done by children that are then posted up on the internet. The US is really trying to crack down on the amount of child pornography that is present on the internet right now. Although there is not always a way to find out who is loading this child pornography, the government is doing there best to get rid of all of the pornography that they can.

Kidnapping children via chat rooms is a whole new idea to kidnapping. Some child molesters are now using the internet to find and connect a relationship to children. They will find them on the internet and start talking to them on a very regular basis. This then builds up a trust with the child and eventually the molester suggests that they meet in person. This is when the person would kidnap the child. Harassment and scams are now being done through the internet. People use chat rooms and emails to harass different people on the internet.

If you or someone you know needs help with an internet crimes case, contact the Criminal Lawyers of Denton , Alexander and Associates.

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Fraud Websites & Investment Scams

April 25th, 2008

Recognizing The Signs of Fraud

Financial scams have been on the rise around the world, and unfortunately, have been rising in sophistication. Fraud was introduced to the Internet most notably by the Nigeria 411 scams, i.e. advance fee fraud. That was then, this is now.

Scammers today are using worldwide access to the Internet to their advantage. Accounts such as webhosting a new website, bank and credit accounts can now be easily opened on the Internet, from any location. Having some false identification gives the scammer the upper hand here, as he has essentially created an alias with little, if any, traceable information.

The False Website Approach

Many financial scams are taking the form of the classic advance fee fraud, but with a higher level of sophistication and tactics. Websites are often created with templates or a design is stolen from another reputable and legal investment company. Once the site is complete, the criminal has created what appears to be a legitimate website and company. The headquarters for these fictitious firms are often located in the United States, so the website claims. These sites are mearly a tool for fraud.

How to distinguish a real investment website from a fraudulent one? Search Google and Yahoo for the company to determine if there are other sites referencing the firm. Check the site itself to see if the firm has contact information. A website without an address or phone number is a red flag for potential fraud or scam. Search phone directories for the firm’s telephone number. Lastly, check with the SEC’s website for signs on how to recognize these investment scams, and to verify registration of the firm.

Knowing the Signs of Fraud

Although the level of sophistication in these scams continues to rise, an educated consumer can know the difference. Scammers today always contact their victims with an offer - the potential victim has been selected. The firm representative may speak perfect English, and even understand investments and asset management. He may even request you submit an IRS form and other documents. Bottom line, this person will request personal data and/or payment promptly and without ever meeting you. Be skeptical and ask for the firms’ references and SEC filing.

Getting Verification

If you’ve searched the Internet for references, checked local phone listings, maybe even contacted the SEC for verification, and spoke with company representatives and claimed references - and you’re still not sure? Contact a professional investigation company, like Wymoo International or Philippine PI for help. Get the facts on who your dealing with - then decide.

All the Best,

S. Birch

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