The term cybercrime is used to describe any crime that is committed with a computer. As technology continues to advance, the types of cybercrimes that are committed will become more complex as well. But for now, these are some of the most common cybercrimes in the United States:
Online Harassment
People often say things online that they would never say in real life. But, there are consequences for harassing someone online just as there are consequences for doing so offline. You may be charged with harassment if you repeatedly insult, taunt, cyberbully, or threaten a person using any kind of electronic device. The harassment does not need to be direct in order to be a crime. For example, if you are continuously posting threats to harm a specific individual on Twitter, this could be considered harassment even though you are not directly messaging the person to threaten him or her.
Identity Theft
Identity theft has been one of the most common cybercrimes since the birth of the Internet. This crime is committed when someone knowingly uses another person’s information in order to obtain something of value. Identity theft can take place on or offline, but the vast majority of cases are cybercrime. Many criminals use email phishing techniques to illegally obtain someone’s personal information such as credit card numbers or a Social Security number. The criminal can then use this information to obtain something of value. For example, he can use the credit card numbers to buy things for himself or use the Social Security number to open a new credit card in the victim’s name.
Tax Refund Fraud
This crime may not get as much attention as other crimes on the list, but it is one of the most common cybercrimes. Tax refund fraud can also occur online or offline, but most criminals prefer committing this crime online so they don’t leave a paper trail. Tax refund fraud takes place when someone illegally obtains a person’s information, preferably someone who will not be filing a tax return, and then creates a tax document with made up information. The document is then submitted to the IRS electronically, and the criminal is issued a tax refund. How big of a problem is tax refund fraud? As of March 5, 2016, the IRS reported that over $200 million was claimed in fraudulent returns for the tax season. The agency also announced that they had prevented the issuance of another $180 million in fraudulent returns.
Have you been charged with a cybercrime? If so, contact Reisch Law Firm today. Cybercrimes are aggressively prosecuted, so you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney who will relentlessly seek justice on your behalf. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
