With the economy still in recovery mode, the holidays are now upon us. Authorities often see a spike in criminal activity during the holidays, and with America still in the grips of a shaky economy, this holiday season will likely be no different. Financially strapped Americans feel tremendous financial pressure during the holidays and will often resort to clever, if not desperate new ways to pull off their crimes. Add to this the convenience of the internet and cell phones, and the stage is set for a holiday season that will see an upsurge in holiday cyber crime.
People who engage in fraudulent internet activity are often called cyber criminals, or internet scammers. These individuals have a vast array of techniques to lure potential victims, a few of which are discussed below. According to the FBI, some of the newer scams out this holiday season involve the use of the cell phone and texting to lure victims into giving over the personal information FBI
Cyber Scams
Classified Ads/Online Auctions
Perpetrators can post false classified ads or auctions for merchandise that does not exist, and when the unsuspecting consumer tries to purchase the merchandise, the scammer uses stolen credit cards. The scammer will receive a purchase order from a customer, and charge their credit card. Then the scammer will use a separate, stolen credit card to actually purchase the item from a merchant, and have the merchant send the item to the customer directly. The scammer is able to pocket the purchase price of the item charged to the customer’s credit card.
Another scam on auction sites involves scammers acting as a legitimate delivery service, and may offer reduced or even free shipping to a customer. The scammers send fraudulent shipping labels to the victim. When labels are not paid for, a delivery service will intercept the package for nonpayment, and the customer loses the money they paid for the purchase of the item.
Phishing, Smishing and Vishing
Phishing pertains to computer security, and is when someone commits fraud to obtain sensitive personal information. Smishing refers to the act of sending out fraudulent messages (via SMS text) to lure to victim into giving out personal information. Vishing refers to this fraudulent activity used with “voice” or over your cell phone.
The process can take many forms, and can be as simple as sending out an email or text that reports a problem with the victim’s financial accounts. The scammer may give them a phone number to call, or a website to log on to where they are required to give their personal information such as bank account numbers or credit card information. Or the scammer may call the victim’s cell phone, offering to lower their interest rate over the phone. In order to obtain the lowered interest rate the victim willingly gives over their credit card information.
The day after Thanksgiving is known as black Friday, where throngs of shoppers try and get a jump on their holiday shopping and enjoy some of the best bargain shopping of the year. The Monday following is known as Cyber Monday. This is a relatively new area for not only shoppers but retailers, and retailers are urging their customers to exercise caution. Black Friday, Cyber Monday: Holiday Shopping Rush Brings Risks.
If you are being investigated or have already been charged with a cyber crime including identity theft, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. These can be serious charges that should not be taken lightly. To find out more information regarding your investigation or charge, call our office 24/7 (206) 382-9200, to schedule a free consultation where you will receive a case analysis.