One type of crime has been consistently on the rise in recent years, and that’s cyber crime. Cybercrimes take numerous forms, and many of them are charged at a federal level.
Outlined below are some of the most common types of federal cybercrimes.
Identity theft
Identity theft occurs when a person’s information is stolen and used to commit fraud. Personal information can include things like bank details and Social Security numbers. Often, the thief will go on to open fraudulent accounts and make unauthorized purchases using the stolen details.
Identity theft is prosecuted aggressively, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigates many of these cases.
Phishing scams
Phishing scams have been around for many years, but they are becoming much more sophisticated. Phishing involves the attempt to receive personal and financial information by impersonating legitimate businesses or contacts. Phishing scams often encourage people to pay money to fake online stores, for fake services or sham investment schemes. The U.S. Department of Justice is largely responsible for overseeing and prosecuting these crimes.
Hacking
Hacking occurs when someone gains unauthorized access to a computer system or network. This can be private networks, but at a federal level, it usually involves gaining access to corporate data and government databases. Hacking is a very serious crime that is governed by the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). Hacking into a government database can result in lengthy prison sentences
Cybercrimes may occur online, but that doesn’t make them any less serious. If you have been charged with an online offense, it’s important to seek legal guidance.