Internet fraud refers to the use of Internet services to present fraudulent solicitations to prospective victims, to conduct fraudulent transactions, or to transmit the proceeds of fraud to financial institutions or to others connected with the scheme.
Internet fraud law is a relatively new field and there are few standards and precedents upon which to build your case. Victims of computer crimes often report Web-related offenses to different agencies, resulting in several Internet fraud charges against the defendant. You may be charged with one Internet fraud crime (Identity Theft) or a number of fraudulent cyber crimes, all based on your unlawful actions on the Web that led to your arrest.
Internet Fraud
Example of Charges
10 counts of spoofing
5 counts of phishing
3 counts of auction fraud
2 counts of identity theft
Unlike crimes committed in person, many computer users, including the authorities, can view your online activities. When Internet fraud has been committed, it can be easily traced back to you. It is important that you contact an experienced Internet Crime Attorney.
In other words; Don't try it. It's easy to trace things back to the scammer.
Arrest for Cyber Crimes
Conviction of Internet and computer crimes comes with very serious consequences. Computer and Internet crime penalties can range from:
Jail / State Prison
Federal Prison
Probation
Fines
Restitution (paying back any funds taken)
Loss of employment (for those with licenses or security clearances)
Other Penalty Considerations
For final sentencing other factors are considered, such as your:
Criminal history
Prior convictions
Current criminal status, including probation or parole.
If you've been a victim of Internet Fraud please contact a local attorney. They can usually direct you to a professional who deals with this type of crime.
Tips for Avoiding Internet Auction Fraud:
-Understand as much as possible about how the auction works, what your obligations are as a buyer, and what the seller's obligations are before you bid.
-Find out what actions the website/company takes if a problem occurs and consider insuring the transaction and shipment.
-Learn as much as possible about the seller, especially if the only information you have is an e-mail address. If it is a business, check the Better Business Bureau where the seller/business is located.
-Examine the feedback on the seller.
-Determine what method of payment the seller is asking from the buyer and where he/she is asking to send payment.
-If possible, purchase items online using your credit card, because you can often dispute the charges if something goes wrong.
-Be cautious when dealing with sellers outside the United States. If a problem occurs with the auction transaction, it could be much more difficult to rectify.
-Ask the seller about when delivery can be expected and whether the merchandise is covered by a warranty or can be exchanged if there is a problem.
-Make sure there are no unexpected costs, including whether shipping and handling is included in the auction price.
-There should be no reason to give out your social security number or driver’s license number to the seller.
Tips for Avoiding Non-Delivery of Merchandise
-Make sure you are purchasing merchandise from a reputable source.
-Do your homework on the individual or company to ensure that they are legitimate.
-Obtain a physical address rather than simply a post office box and a telephone number, and call the seller to see if the telephone number is correct and working.
-Send an e-mail to the seller to make sure the e-mail address is active, and be wary of those that utilize free e-mail services where a credit card wasn't required to open the account.
-Consider not purchasing from sellers who won't provide you with this type of information.
-Check with the Better Business Bureau from the seller’s area.
-Check out other websites regarding this person/company.
-Don’t judge a person or company by their website. Flashy websites can be set up quickly.
-Be cautious when responding to special investment offers, especially through unsolicited e-mail.
-Be cautious when dealing with individuals/companies from outside your own country.
-Inquire about returns and warranties.
-If possible, purchase items online using your credit card, because you can often dispute the charges if something goes wrong.
-Make sure the transaction is secure when you electronically send your credit card numbers.
-Consider using an escrow or alternate payment service.
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