Internet Crime

Internet crimes, such as the Nigerian 419 fraud ring, are a constant threat to Internet users. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Federal Trade Commission (FCC) have dedicated and appointed IT and law enforcement experts charged with ending the far-reaching and damaging effects of Internet crime.

Examples of Internet crime legislation include:

• U.S. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, Section 1030: Amended in 2001 through the U.S. Patriot Act
• CAN SPAM Act of 2003
• Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011

As the U.S. works to combat Internet crime, other countries are experiencing increased cybercriminal activity. In 2001, Websense (an organization focused on network abuse research) reported the alarming spread of Internet crime in Canada. This global shift is under review by the Canadian government.

Types of Internet crime include:

• Cyberbullying and harassment
• Financial extortion
• Internet bomb threats
• Classified global security data theft
• Password trafficking
• Enterprise trade secret theft
• Personally data hacking
• Copyright violations, such as software piracy
• Counterfeit trademarks
• Illegal weapon trafficking
• Online child pornography
• Credit card theft and fraud
• Email phishing
• Domain name hijacking
• Virus spreading

To prevent becoming an Internet crime, online vigilance and common sense are critical. Under no circumstances should a user share personal information (like full name, address, birth date and Social Security number) to unknown recipients. Moreover, while online, a user should remain suspicious about exaggerated or unverifiable claims.