Internet fraud and online scams
usually refer to any type of fraud that is handled with the help of an
electronic communication network, such as the Internet. In turn, fraud has been
defined by federal law as “an intentional deception or misrepresentation by a
person, which results in an unauthorized benefit or material gain”. The
following definition is both the federal and state’s definition of fraud, and
they have many laws that are against cyber fraud or any type of online scams.
Even though dozens of states have
created many laws against Internet fraud and online scams, it’s still very
important to understand that plenty of fraudulent acts online will result in a
federal crime. That’s because the infrastructure in which online scams take
place is spread across the US. Plenty of fraudulent acts are sure to pass
across state borders. Cyber fraud acts that only happen within one state
jurisdiction might be prosecuted under the most relevant state laws.
Laws pertaining to Internet and
real-life fraud are meant to protect individuals from having their assets,
personal property, and personal data taken by scammers or crooks.
Certain companies have allowed victims of online scams and Internet fraud to send their reports anonymously.
This is actually an excellent option for those who have suspected a neighbor of
holding fraudulent actions. People should never live in fear of losing their
cash, so it’s good to report Internet crimes to protect people around you, as
well as yourself and your loved ones.
There are many different types of
online fraud out there, which, aside from being prosecuted as Internet fraud on
a federal scale, might also end up being prosecuted as an act of mail fraud,
wire fraud, or even terrorism. Certain examples include:
- Intentionally gaining access to a
computer or another type of computer network without the proper authorization,
to steal a person’s information. This can include financial records, or
information from any US government agency.
- Causing damage to a protected
computer, with the assistance of agents such as a computer program,
information, code, or just about anything that can cause damage.
Punishment
for Online Scams Crooks
Punishment for online scams and
Internet fraud can result in imprisonment for up to twenty years. An
imprisonment of up to ten years has been recommended in certain cases, in which
the person has no previous criminal history regarding computers or Internet
usage. Aside from that, fines might also be imposed, which are determined upon
the value of the damage made to any computer system, together with the value of
any info that was stolen, damaged, or compromised. The person behind these
online scams will be asked to forfeit access to the Internet for an assigned
period of time, or serve a supervised probation.
