What Are Some Examples of Federal Internet Crimes?

 Posted on November 23, 2021 in Criminal Defense

Crime is increasingly committed over the internet. Especially during the pandemic, more and more white-collar criminals are turning to forms of fraud or theft that can be carried out online. One unfortunate side effect is that it is also increasingly easy to inadvertently stumble into illegal activity on the web, often out of naivete. The FBI has recently stepped up its enforcement of internet crimes, making internet-based prosecutions increasingly common. If you are facing federal prosecution for any internet-based crime, it is important that you take the charges very seriously and immediately get in contact with a criminal defense attorney. 

What Federal Internet Crimes Are Most Common?

Crimes like theft, which used to require an in-person action, can now be done from the comfort of one’s own desk. This has moved the FBI’s battle against crime from the field to the internet. For an unlucky few, this can lead to unreasonable charges for an unintentional online misstep. Some common federal internet crimes are: 

• Fraud - Bank fraud, mortgage fraud, and credit card fraud are often committed online these days. A lot of financial paperwork is now done via an app or website, increasing opportunities for cybercriminals to be dishonest. 

• Theft - Credit card and banking information are often stolen through the use of sham websites or phishing schemes. 

• Money laundering - It is easier than ever to run a small online business. Sadly, some of these businesses are not legitimately selling anything. They were instead set up for money laundering purposes through sham online orders. 

• Identity theft - Most people have a shocking amount of personal information stored online. Cybercriminals often need nothing more than access to a person’s online data to steal their identity. 

There are also crimes that, while not exactly internet crimes, are increasingly committed over the internet. Drug traffickers in modern times may take online orders and then ship illegal narcotics. While some independent prostitutes will advertise and reach clients online, so do human traffickers. 

It is important to be careful what you do online. Actions like incorrectly filling out an online loan application can be misconstrued as an attempt to commit bank fraud online. It is also possible to stumble upon unlawful materials like child pornography if you visit an unverified source and find yourself caught up in a federal prosecution. If something like this happens to you, you will need a skilled criminal defense attorney to help prove that you did not mean to commit a crime. 

Call a Cook County Federal Internet Crimes Lawyer

If you are facing a federal prosecution based on your online activity, the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel can help craft your best possible defense. Our Chicago federal internet crimes attorneys are skilled in clearing the names of people who have been erroneously accused of online offenses. Call 312-629-0669 when you are ready to schedule a free consultation. 

Source:

https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber