Internet Theft and Fraud

Internet theft and fraud in Miami prosecutions have become a major priority both in state and federal courts in South Florida as well as throughout the nation. As technology grows and societies' use of it increases, crimes committed in this arena also rise. These types of crimes are prosecuted so significantly, in part, because these offenses undermine consumer confidence in utilizing computers and/or e-commerce to make their purchases.

Typically, internet fraud encompasses any kind of fraud that utilizes web sites, chat rooms, email, etc. to reach out to potential victims and induce them to engage in fraudulent transactions and/or to transmit proceeds derived from a scheme to defraud. Internet theft typically involves stealing someone's identity. This stealing of another's personal information in order to commit offenses as that individual can create havoc in the lives of the victims. That's one of the reasons why the public has demanded that prosecutors make these types of cases a priority. It's also why the penalties for these offenses have increased drastically. Some of these offenses carrying with it a minimum mandatory prison term.

Besides Internet sex crimes, identity theft and fraud are the two most prevalent types of Internet crimes. The Mark Eiglarsh Law Offices has been defending clients for these crimes in the South Florida area since the advent of the Internet. Internet fraud occurs when material misrepresented information is disseminated via the internet with a fraudulent intent to force another person to do something that causes economic damage or refrain from doing it. Certain forms of fraud on the internet include identity theft. A common crime includes the use of computer software to access large retail stores' computer networks and obtain credit card and debit card information that is then sold and third parties. Another technique is known as "wardriving" which involves using laptops to connect to wireless Internet signals or Wi-Fi. While on the network, Internet hackers install computer programs that track down credit card and debit card numbers and catch them.

Phishing is another prevalent Internet theft and fraud crime. These crimes occur when someone sends an e-mail, SMS message, or another contact to another person in an effort to persuade the receiver to disclose confidential personal data. Phishing scams seek to hide the message's fraudulent existence by presenting it as though it were an authorized communication. For instance, a person attempting to commit a phishing scheme could send a bulk e-mail that appears like it was legitimately sent from a familiar corporation such as a major bank, or even a government agency like the Internal Revenue Service.

A phishing message requests that the recipient send confidential information, like their full name, their birthdate, Social Security number, passwords to their account, numbers to an account, and everything else that a criminal could use or may need to steal someone's identity. The end purpose of these phishing attempts is to obtain information that the perpetrator may use to open fraudulent accounts using the victim's name, or otherwise to obtain or use the victim's identity for financial profit.

As with other types of identity theft, phishing is not dependent on its success. Put differently, if you send out an e-mail clearly in an effort to convince someone to give you the requested information, you may be convicted of phishing. The person receiving the message doesn't have to answer you, and even if a response is received, you don't have to use the confidential information to be accused of phishing.

Although phishing is protected by numerous state laws, a singular federal legislation that would criminalize this form of operation explicitly does not exist. Nevertheless, wider federal criminal laws extend to phishing and other offenses related to identity theft. For example, since phishing includes solicitations typically sent via the Internet, the federal law covering wire fraud is sometimes used to prosecute state-level phishing crime.

A conviction and/or a lengthy prison term are not guaranteed. An experienced attorney who has handled countless Internet Theft and Fraud cases is what is recommended to assist you. If you or someone you know has been accused of or charged with either internet theft or fraud, then you need to contact the Offices of Mark Eiglarsh immediately.

The general information provided above about Internet theft and fraud in Fort Lauderdale is meant for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for speaking directly with an attorney about the facts and circumstances of your case. Please call 954.500.0003 in Broward or 305.674.0003 in Miami to schedule a consultation with the Law Offices of Mark Eiglarsh.