It is the digital age and you need to be prepared to protect yourself from internet crimes, particularly as we move towards digital currency and keeping important documents and information entirely virtual. With that in mind, here are the top 5 cybercrimes you need to be aware of and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
- Internet Fraud
Internet fraud typically occurs when the scammer asks someone to send money in the promise of receiving a larger some in the future. Before the prevalence of the Internet, these kinds of scams were conducted through more traditional channels like in-person or over the phone.
Typically, you may receive a communication from someone who needs to receive a large amount of money in a foreign country. You might be asked to cover a portion of the costs of moving the money and in exchange, they promise to provide you with a much larger sum. You will be out the money you put in, plus any fines from your bank.
- Online Harassment and Cyberstalking
Online harassment and cyberstalking typically occur on social media, and in some cases, can involve revenge porn. Anytime an individual begins threatening, defamatory, comments, or doxxing, this is an indication of malicious intent.
Scammers will release the victim’s personal information on online community forums, where others may also engage in cyberstalking and online harassment. This can be devastating for the victim’s physical well-being and mental health. It is not uncommon for victims of online harassment or cyberstalking to end up engaging in self-harming behaviors or even suicide.
- Phishing Scams
Phishing scams, involve tricking people into giving away their personal information via social media or online websites. These sites will be mirror images of real websites that will give the user a sense of security and make them believe that the website is legitimate. In some instances, phishing scams can result in bank information and personal financial details being stored and ultimately utilized for the scammer’s own financial gains.
- Intellectual Property Infringement
Intellectual property infringement involves piracy, counterfeiting, and patent infringement. Piracy involves the unauthorized reproduction or spreading of copyrighted materials. Counterfeiting involves creating products that look identical to an existing product that is not branded. Patent infringement involves generating products that are an exact copy of the mechanism and functionality of another product that has already been patented.
- Identity Theft
Identity theft is commonly used by cybercriminals as a means of defrauding unsuspecting victims. There are two primary types of identity theft. The first involves impersonating someone without using any type of stolen payment methods, while the other type of identity theft involves utilizing someone else’s credit card or other financial information for their own financial gain.
Conclusion
If you have been a victim of a cybercrime, you may need the support of a trusted professional who can help you rebuild your life. Do not hesitate to contact STARNet to discuss your circumstances further. You can reach us by phone or through our online contact form when you are ready to get started.
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