Cyber Crimes Lawyer In Gainesville, FL
The internet has evolved into an incredibly versatile tool — creating online spaces that act as marketplaces, sociable communities, venues for entertainment, news platforms, and more. Unfortunately, rapid advancements in internet technology have made many individuals more susceptible to cyber crimes, such as internet fraud. Considered to be a broad legal category, the term “internet fraud” encompasses several illegal activities. Crimes that fall into the category of Internet fraud can carry severe legal consequences, including jail time and hefty fines.
If you or a loved one are facing charges for internet fraud, it is imperative to seek the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. For dedicated defense from a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer, contact Stout Defense, P.A. to request a free case consultation!
Federal Internet Fraud
All the way back in 1986, Congress passed the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act to keep up with the rise of computer-related crimes and make it easier for authorities to prosecute such offenses. Specifically, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act prohibits the following.
- Accessing a computer without authorization and obtaining information protected by the federal government for national security purposes.
- Accessing a computer without authorization and obtaining information from any protected computer or any information from a department or agency of the United States.
- Accessing a computer to obtain information from a financial record, a financial institution, a card issuer, or contained in a file of a consumer reporting agency.
- Intentionally accessing a nonpublic computer of a department or agency that is exclusively for government use.
- Knowingly, and with the intent to defraud, accessing a protected computer without authorization in order to further fraud and/or to obtain something of value.
- Knowingly causing harm or damage to a protected computer by transferring a program, information, code, or command.
- Knowingly trafficking in passwords or similar information to make accessing a computer possible, with the intent to defraud. The computer must be used by or for the government, or the trafficking must affect interstate commerce to face federal charges.
- Making threats to obtain protected information or damaging a computer to extort something of value that affects interstate commerce.
Generally, the federal government will assume jurisdiction over prosecuting any internet fraud cases involving interstate commerce or government computers. Cases that don’t involve government computers are often investigated and prosecuted by state officials. However, in some cases, a single act of internet fraud could result in federal and state charges. In any case, if you’re facing charges of internet fraud, it’s in your best interest to speak with an experienced defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Examples Of Internet Fraud
As mentioned above, the term “internet fraud” can be used to refer to a variety of illegal activities. Furthermore, due to the versatility of online resources, these offenses can manifest in many different forms. The following are a few examples of common internet fraud.
Internet Identity Fraud
Internet identity fraud typically involves using phishing schemes to wrongfully obtain a person’s identifying information. Once a person’s identifying information is obtained, it may be sold or used to gain credits, benefits, or services. Internet identity fraud is a form of identity theft — an offense that carries hefty legal penalties, such as up to 15 years in prison, fines, and forfeiture of any personal property used or intended to be used to commit the crime.
Online Auction Fraud
Online auction fraud generally involves the use of fraudulent schemes on auction/bidding websites such as eBay. The fraudulent schemes used to perpetrate online auction fraud can include bid shielding, shill bidding, misrepresentation, and bidding on items using stolen credit card information. Being prosecuted for online auction fraud could result in charges of wire fraud, postal fraud, credit card fraud, or other federal or state offenses, each of which carries serious legal consequences.
Internet Banking Fraud
As banks have moved more of their functionality online, internet banking fraud has become increasingly common. Online banking fraud often involves using fraudulent tactics to obtain a person’s online banking information, such as their pin, login information, account number, and so on. Once a person’s banking information has been obtained and their account has been accessed, money can be transferred from the account. Internet banking fraud can result in charges of computer crimes, wire fraud, and even bank fraud. Charges of bank fraud are incredibly serious, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $1,000,000.
How Our Cyber Crimes Attorney Can Help
There are severe penalties for the criminal offense of internet fraud, as highlighted above. A conviction for any of these crimes can have long-lasting consequences that affect a person for the rest of their life. If you or a loved one are facing internet fraud charges, it is crucial to reach out to an experienced internet fraud lawyer. Our skilled Gainesville defense attorney, Adam Stout, has the necessary legal experience to mount a vigorous defense of any criminal case. As a former prosecutor with broad legal knowledge, Adam can help you contest your criminal charges. Don't wait — contact Stout Defense, P.A. today to schedule a free, confidential consultation!