There are several criminal activities that fall under the category of cybercrimes. This goes beyond the term “hacking,” because computer crimes include a broad variety of topics. Cybercrimes are criminal offenses that use the Internet or other forms of computer technology, such as social networks. Some of these crimes may include sending illegal or inappropriate digital photos, bullying others online, stealing money or identities, and more. Here\’s what you need to know about these offenses and what the bail bond process for cybercrimes entails.
The Rise of Cybercrimes
Cybercrimes became the second most common type of economic fraud in 2015. Since that time, these incidents have continued to rise. If the trend continues, one in every three businesses could face an attack at some point. Although efforts have been made by businesses and individuals to protect themselves from cybercrimes, criminals still find a way of committing these offenses. The popularity of cybercrimes has led law enforcement to create stricter punishments and consequences for offenders. Here are the different types of cybercrimes.
Types of Cybercrimes
Identity Theft
There are all kinds of things an attacker can do to steal a person’s identity. They can take someone’s banking credentials, apply for new bank accounts, steal someone’s savings, steal someone’s Social Security Number, and so much more. All they need is a little bit of information about a person to convince a customer service representative or website that they are someone else. As a customer, be careful how much personal information you disclose online, especially to strangers.
Cyberstalking
In the real world, stalkers are people who follow, secretly watch, or persistently call and contact someone else to manipulate them or force them to be a part of their lives. Cyber stalkers are driven by the same goal: to threaten, harass, or embarrass their victims. The main difference is that they do these actions online.
Social networks, e-mail, instant messaging, and other forms of digital communication can be used by cyber stalkers to make unwanted contact with their victims. Cyber stalking goes beyond simply browsing someone’s Instagram feed. It is serious because it involves evil intentions, and in many cases, it can turn into physical stalking, making it even more threatening.
Cyberbullying
Cyber bullying laws were not clearly defined until the mid-2000s. Cyber bullying is the act of harassing someone using digital devices such as cellphones, computers, and tablets. Negative and hateful comments can be sent through SMS, text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming platforms.
There are various forms of cyber bullying such as sharing negative, harmful, false, or cruel content about someone else. It can also include sharing private information about someone that causes embarrassment and shame. Although not every case is considered criminal behavior, some acts of cyber bullying cross the line and unfortunately, there have been some tragic results of cyber bullying including suicides and school shootings.
Illegal/Offensive Content
Sending obscene, distasteful, or offensive content to someone else using electronic communications is a cybercrime. The extent to which these communications are unlawful depends on the area you live, but in the state of Texas this is a serious crime. One of the most common types of content sent in this cybercrime includes sexually explicit messages or photographs. The extreme side of this content would include watching and sharing child pornography.
Phishing
Phishing scams are terrible crimes. When someone uses fake logos, e-mail addresses, and e-mail format to gain confidential information from someone, it is known as phishing. These online scammers may claim to be the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Microsoft, or a credit card company. They usually contact people through e-mail or over the phone, requesting confidential information such as a person’s address, name, and banking information, to try to resolve a fake problem with their account. People are drawn into these scams because the criminal presents a compelling reason for someone to respond or verify/resubmit their information. Once the information is given, they can begin to access the person’s accounts or take on their identity to steal money or make purchases.
Punishments for Cybercrimes
Depending on the type of cybercrime committed, the offender can be prosecuted at the state or federal level. If the crime is prosecuted at the federal level, the sentencing can include fines and up to 20 years in federal prison, or both. The crime can range from being a Class B misdemeanor of up to 180 days in county jail and a $2,000 fine, to a first-degree felony of up to life in prison and a $10,000 fine.
How Does the Bail Process Work for Cybercrimes?
If you have been accused of committing a cybercrime, it\’s likely that you will need to go to jail. Going to jail is a frightening situation, especially if you are unsure about the process that follows.
PCS Bail Bonds can help you if you need to post bail or need advice about your situation. We provide 24-hour bail bonds for all kinds of charges including theft, drug possession, embezzlement, assault, cybercrimes, and more. Our experienced agents can help you obtain a bond in a fraction of the time it would take with other agencies.
We have professional memberships in several renowned associations including the Professional Bondsmen of Texas, Tarrant County Bar Association, and Professional Bondsmen of Tarrant County. We serve clients in Fort Worth, Texas and other municipalities in Tarrant County. We process our clients’ requests quickly and efficiently. Our bond agents are always on call and we can be down to the jail in under 30 minutes.
Contact us now by phone at 817-335-1655, at our e-mail, visit in-person, or fill out our bail bond request form. Your bail bondsmen in Texas look forward to helping you.