Computer Fraud
Before the advent of computers, confidence schemes and other types of fraud often required the criminals to meet with their victims face-to-face, deal with them over the phone, or by mail. These methods often put the criminal at risk of being identified and apprehended later by a positive identification.
Many crimes committed over the internet are perpetrated by nameless, faceless attackers that can commit their crimes and fraudulent acts from anywhere in the world. Because of the relative simplicity of fraud and internet crimes, criminals have been able to devise many ways of bilking people out of money and property.
Types of Fraud:
There are many different types of fraud, but common cases often include:
• Online confidence schemes
• Internet investment fraud
• Computer hacking
• Account and credit card number theft
• Theft of personal information
• Hacking into computer systems to alter or delete information
It is important for people to be aware of the potential for computer fraud and to protect themselves and their property from theft.
Although most people are aware that they should be wary of their actions on the internet and should set up some sort of protection, many do not know the right steps to take.Protecting Against Computer Fraud
People can follow several steps to protect themselves against computer fraud including:
• Install and use anti-spyware programs to avoid the theft of personal information
• Password protect valuable documents and computer files
• Do not give anyone your personal passwords and do not use the same password for every file
• Make sure to change passwords frequently and do not use commonly known information like first, middle, or last names, birthdates or other information that would be easy to decipher.
• Use firewall software to provide extra protection against hackers and outside threats.
• Make sure to double-check account balances and immediately report suspicious activity on any accounts.
• Do not make online purchases through websites that do not have security settings.
• Do not divulge personal information online to anyone that you do not know or trust.
Computer Fraud and Criminal Defense
Computer fraud is a serious crime and can result in criminal prosecution, fines, and jail time if an individual is found guilty. If you have been wrongly accused of computer fraud, visit the website of the Milwaukee criminal attorneys of Kohler & Hart, LLP.