Internet Crime Statistics

 Posted on November 29,2017 in Fraud

The use of the Internet has evolved greatly over the past five years. We frequently use social media to interact with our family and friends. During the long Thanksgiving weekend, we are likely going to use the Internet to go ahead and pay for our Holiday gifts for our loved ones. Even though the use of the Internet is typically harmless, there is always a possibility of having to deal with an Internet crime, which can negatively impact the lives of both the offender and the person affected by the crime.

Statistics on Stolen Information Over the Internet

In 2013, about 7 percent of American organizations lost over $1 million from an Internet crime. 19 percent of all American organizations lost at least $500,000 as a result of an Internet crime. For individuals, there was an average loss of $3,000 per Internet crime complaint and a total loss of over $781 million in the same year. Here is a breakdown of the losses:

• $81 million loss from online dating scammers, and averaging over $12,000 per person affected by the crime;
• $51 million loss from auto scammers, with an average loss of $3,600 per person;
• $18 million loss in real estate scams, with about $1,800 per person affected; and
•  $6 million loss in FBI scams, with each person affected losing $700 on average.

In 2014, 47 percent of all Americans had their personal information stolen by Internet crime offenders. The year prior, 43 percent of companies experienced hackers getting into their systems to illegally retrieve confidential information.

Consequences of Internet Crimes in Illinois

Anyone charged with accessing personal information from other computers will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense, and a Class 4 felony for any following offense. If an injury was to occur because of an Internet crime, then the person affected can recover $10 for each unsolicited bulk e-mail message, or as much as $25,000 per day, depending on the severity of the injury.

Contact a Chicago Internet Crime Defense Lawyer

Being charged with an Internet crime is very serious, as the charge itself could be enough to bar you from future employment opportunities and overall quality of life. If you or a loved one has been charged with an Internet crime of any type, the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney is ready to provide skilled legal representation. To schedule a free initial consultation, please call a Chicago criminal defense attorney at 312-629-0669 to get the help you deserve.

 Sources:

http://www.cbs.com/shows/csi-cyber/news/1003888/these-cybercrime-statistics-will-make-you-think-twice-about-your-password-where-s-the-csi-cyber-team-when-you-need-them-/

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=58900000&SeqEnd=59600000