Cyber Crimes

The rapid advancement of technology over the last several decades has drastically changed the way we live. With an almost infinite amount of knowledge at the tips of our fingers, it can be easy to overlook the dangers faced in an increasingly online world. Criminals have evolved alongside technology, finding new ways to exploit digital weaknesses for personal gain.
Cybercrime comes in many forms and anyone who uses the internet could become their next victim. From stealing money, confidential information, and identities to selling counterfeit goods and blackmail, cybercriminals use technology to remain anonymous as they commit crimes. Our lives have become dependent on the internet and criminals use this to their advantage.
According to the FBI, cybercriminals caused an estimated $37 billion in losses in the last five years, a number that grows exponentially with each passing year. This only represents the financial losses of cybercrime. Victims of cybercrime can also suffer intense mental and emotional trauma.

Tips to Prevent Cybercrimes:

Cybercriminals can’t become you if they can’t find you. Make it hard for them to obtain any information about you.

  • Be vigilant in how you protect, share, and dispose, of personal information at home, work, on the internet, on the telephone, and in public.
  • Never confirm personal information over the phone unless you were the one who initiated the call.
  • Never provide passwords or banking numbers over email.
  • Be careful when reciting your Social Security number or credit card number on a cell phone rather than a hardline, as scammers could be listening in.
  • If you question the authenticity of an email, don’t reply. Call the company yourself to confirm any information.
  • If a situation seems too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Study your banking and credit card statements regularly and check your credit reports annually.
  • If you suspect you’ve been a victim of identity theft, follow these steps:
      • Place a fraud alert on your credit reports
      • Close the accounts that you believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently
      • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission
      • File a report with the local police if necessary

    Learn more about Cyber Crime

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