Essay on Cyber Crimes

With the invention of the internet, came the rise in what is known as “cybercrime”. The inventors likely never had an idea that crimes of person and property would be so easily carried out by criminals. Unlike traditional crimes, cybercrime limits the threat of harm to another human. However, even without physical threats, victims still emerge with losses of property and money. Traditional crimes of bank robberies, home invasions and muggings produce a great physical threat to the victim. While internet credit card fraud has its similarities in the desire to steal money and property, it is without threat of life.

According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, complaints of online crime rose 22. 3% in 2009 from 2008 (Internet Crime Complaint Center, 2010). Complaints ranged from credit card fraud, identity theft, and computer fraud. Complainants reported losing money, not receiving merchandise paid for online via credit card or bank account, to computer viruses. While many of these actions may occur in a physical sense, criminals have managed to figure out ways to steal without being seen, without threats, and without leaving the comfort of their homes. As law enforcement officers become more knowledgeable of cybercrime, they are finding

new ways of protecting the average computer uses. The FBI has created specific cybercrime departments. But as the law seeks out ways to curtail the crimes, the criminals are creating more distance between them through cyberspace. References Internet Crime Complaint Center. (2010). Retrieved August 11, 2010, from Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): http://www. ic3. gov/default. aspx Krebs, B. (2010, March 9). Cyber Crooks Leave Traditional Bank Robbers in the Dust. Retrieved August 11, 2010, from Krebs on Security : http://krebsonsecurity. com/2010/03/cyber-crooks-leave-bank-robbers-in-the-dust/