How Technology is Used to Commit Crime

923 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Technology and criminal investigations

The world has become increasingly run by technology. Technology has benefited society and prompted new methods of research and development. Even with its many benefits, the use of technology has led to the growth of cybercrime. Cybercrime is one of the fastest types of growing crime (Anderson, 2013). With the continued growth of the technology industry, the crime rate will continue to skyrocket (Ellyatt, 2013). One of the most common types of cybercrime is identity theft. Identity theft occurs when someone steals another individual’s personal information, with the intent to illegally use the date for their personal benefit (Dimov, 2014). Sadly, it is not hard for an individual to steal another person’s identity. All one needs is an individual’s name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (Dimov, 2014). These three pieces of personal detail are often deemed the “Holy Trinity.” Perpetrators often use this type of personal information to commit financial fraud, such as applying for credit cards in the victim’s name (Baltzan, 2013, p. 294). According to Paige Baltzan, there are two methods criminals use to steal one’s personal identity (2013, p. 294). One of these methods is phishing. This occurs when the perpetrator steals the victim’s personal information by using fake emails, which commonly ask for personal details (Baltzan, 2013, p. 294). Unknowingly, victims often think these emails are legitimate, and reply with personal information. Once they have replied, the perpetrator has captured their personal information. The second way identity thieves capture information wanted is by pharming (Baltzan, 2013). This method reroutes victims from legitimate websites to false websites (Baltzan, 2013, p. 296). The same concept applies ... ... middle of paper ... ...er 16). Is it safe to shop online with a debit card?. Retrieved from http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/online- banking/safe-to-shop-online-with-debit-card.htm Dimov, Daniel. (2013, January 14). Identity theft: the means, methods, and recourse. Retrieved from http://resources.infosecinstitute.com/identity-theft-means- methods-recourse/ Ellyatt, Holly. (2013, August 13). The threat from cybercrime?. Retrieved from http://www.cnbc.com/id/100959481 Siciliano, Robert. (2011, March 16). 7 types of hacker motivations. Retrieved from http://blogs.mcafee.com/consumer/family-safety/7-types-of-hacker-motivations Withnall, Adam. (2013, December 2).Cyber monday 2013: police issue top 10 tips to avoid online fraud. Retrieved from http://www.idependent.co.uk/news/us/home- news/cyber-monday-2013-police-issue-top-10-tips-to-avoid-online-fraud- 8976852.html

Show More
Related

  • The Use of Technology in Criminal Justice

    1254 Words  | 3 Pages

    In this current generation, technology is steadily becoming a major asset to our future in a wide range of areas, and has been embedded in our lives currently to the point of being close to a necessity. In Criminal Justice, the use of technology has proven to be of tremendous help in many areas of the field. The incorporation of the computer systems in criminal justice tremendously has improved the general communication between agencies as the new methods of transferring information among departments. In addition, it has become much more resourceful and efficient in that it is much simpler to acquire the data at a more rapid rate, hence, speeding up the time it takes to prevent or solve crimes. The intent of this paper is to deliver an insight toward the efficiency of the methods in which technology was being used inside the criminal justice system.

    Read More

  • What Is Identity Theft?

    1631 Words  | 4 Pages

    Identity theft is an increasing epidemic. Some of the ways a person can commit identity

    Read More

  • Use of Technology in Police Departments

    1310 Words  | 3 Pages

    Technology has opened new encounters and opportunities for the criminal justice system. There are so many new practices of criminal activity, such as computer crimes. There are different types of computer crimes that many people become victims of every day. Computer crime is any crime that involves a computer and a network. The computer may have been used in the commission of a crime, or it may be the target ("Computer Crime: Chapter 2: What Are the Crimes?", n.d.). Crimes such as data diddling, pump and dump, social engineering and spoofing are computer crimes. Even though these crimes are difficult by privacy issues, the new technology has made investigations and prosecutions well organized and effective. Though views are different on the pros and cons of specific technological changes in the criminal justice system, there is an agreement the system has changed affectedly ("Effects of Technology in Criminal Justice | eHow", n.d.).

    Read More

  • The Impact of Online Identity Theft on Consumers and Organizations

    1341 Words  | 3 Pages

    The Impact of Online Identity Theft on Consumers and Organizations Internet fraud has become a major issue due to the ever increasing population of internet users, because the internet is such an easy solution to fast sufficient services readily available for busy lives that’s is why most of us are now dependant on the internet in some shape or form and each time we use the internet we input data that are related to use from our name, address and even bank details with the assurance that the site is safe and trustworthy, but this is not always the case because the security system implemented like all things in this world has weaknesses.

    Read More

  • Cyber Criminals: Cyber-Crime and Cyberstalking

    1424 Words  | 3 Pages

    Criminals develop along with technology. Once the Internet came out, people found ways to exploit it. For example, a man named John Draper was able to use a cereal box toy to access AT&T’s network. The pitch indicated to the phone company that a call was ready to be made and he was able to use their system for free. In another case Kevin Mitnick, wanted by the FBI for hacking, was able to access a computer learning system and change documents. This attack caused millions in damages and was done for personal motives. (James). “Cyberattacks have grown more...

    Read More

  • Trends In Law Enforcement

    561 Words  | 2 Pages

    The prevailing presence and growth of the computer industry has rapidly escalated the threat of digital crimes orchestrated by terrorists and common criminals. "The emergence of computer technologies and the growing threats created by digital criminals and terrorists have worked to produce a wide array of challenges for law enforcement officials charged with protecting individuals, private businesses, and governments from these threats"(Digital Crime). Due to the size and complexity of this evolving and growing threat, the federal government and agencies have led the effort to target and deter all computer crimes. Collectively they commit the very best technical expertise combined with political leverage which provides lucrative financial

    Read More

  • Identity Theft

    2129 Words  | 5 Pages

    In today's society, there is a white-collar crime that has greatly risen in popularity among criminals. This crime is identity theft. Hundreds of thousands of people have their identities stolen each year. Identity theft is when these criminals obtain and use consumers personal information such as credit card numbers, bank account numbers, insurance information, and social security numbers to purchase goods or services fraudulently. According to the Federal Trade Commission, over 1.1 million people were the victim of identity theft. With this number, it is very evident that identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in our country. This paper will attempt to more thoroughly define identity theft. It will give examples of identity theft by examining the stories of Rosalie Pugliese and Mari Frank. It will show ways in which this very easily committed crime can be avoided, and in the extreme case that a person is a victim of identity fraud, to show the steps one can take to get their lives back on track.

    Read More

  • Prevent Identity Theft

    632 Words  | 2 Pages

    Identity Theft is known as “someone tak[ing] another’s personal information without consent and us[ing] it in an illegal way” (Dean, Buck, & Dean, 2014). Since the rise in technology over the past few decades, more people have become victims of identity theft. The four main items that are stolen under identity theft are: Name, address, social security number, and sometimes even one’s bank account information. Identity Theft is divided into three types: financial identity theft, criminal identity theft, and identity cloning. Also, there are two ways in which criminals get the information they are trying to steal from a victim: low-tech and hi-tech. Hi-tech has to do with criminals being able to get information through technology and include methods such as skimmers, phishing, and hacking. To prevent identity theft, there are many ways in which someone can do so. One way is to not disclose personal information to anyone. Also, people should “destroy any documents such as mail which may contain personal information which a thief can use” (Dean et al., 2014). Creating difficult passwords that only the user can remember will prevent identity theft. Moreover, companies need to make sure their technology is secure, as they hold personal information of their

    Read More

  • Identity Theft Informative Speech

    1175 Words  | 3 Pages

    III. Thesis Statement: Identity Theft is rapidly becoming a national issue because anyone of us could be a victim of identity theft. How we protect our self, keep our information private, identify any signs of identity theft, and report and repair our credit is up to each one of us. We have to be vigilant about our protecting ourselves from criminals.

    Read More

  • Identity Theft Debate

    943 Words  | 2 Pages

    According to the network, Tech Target, Identity theft, also known as identity fraud, is a crime in which an imposter obtains key pieces of personally identifiable information, such as Social Security or driver's license numbers, in order to impersonate someone else. Identity theft has become a widely discussed topic throughout society. Recent advances in technology have led to global identity theft. While certain authorities have been trying to decrease the possibility of this occurring, personal privacy is still being invaded by internet criminals every day.

    Read More

  • Essay On Identity Theft

    429 Words  | 1 Pages

    “Identity theft is when someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain” (Stellmach). Identity theft happens everyday, twenty four seven. According to Rouse, it is a crime in which a phony acquires key pieces of personal information, such as driver's license or Social Security numbers, in order to impersonate someone else. This information can be used to access other important information such as credit, merchandise, and services in the name of the victim, or to provide the thief with false permits. In addition to running up debt, an imposter might provide false documentation to police, creating a criminal record or leaving outstanding arrest warrants for the person whose identity has been stolen (Rouse). There are two types of identity theft: account takeover and true name.

    Read More

  • Disadvantages Of Technology In Crime

    998 Words  | 2 Pages

    Throughout the years, technology has been increasing in both good and bad ways. Technology is now being used to contact people through social media, link people together through group chats, and also spy on people. Although connecting with people instantly on social media is the upside to technology usage, people often tend to share private information that can be used in the wrong way which is the downside of technology. As both technology and crime increases, technology usage is now being increased to help solve crimes. Many years ago, without the usage of technology, many aspects of a crime was not questioned or the resources to uncover certain evidence were both time consuming and/or expensive. The Police Chief Magazine list many technological improvements that have been put in place to

    Read More

  • Internet Fraud and Identity Theft

    1192 Words  | 3 Pages

    Many individuals use the Internet strictly for work, information and entertainment.They do not engage in online criminal activity nor do they readily provide personal information. Cautious about what they do supply, individuals seek security by enabling passwords and secret answers. The Internet may even appear to be safe even though there is little regulation and no legal boundaries. Unfortunately, identity theft on the Internet is simple, straightforward and the victim is generally completely unaware and oblivious to the...

    Read More

  • Essay On Cyber Crimes

    3313 Words  | 7 Pages

    The invention of the computer was revolutionary and the start of something big in society. In 1982, TIME magazine named the computer to be the “Machine of the Year” and expected hundreds of computers to be sold to businesses and regular consumers. Now it is estimated that over two billion personal computers will be in use by the year 2015; something so amazing and modern does come with its risks for everyone (Hyman, P. 2013). The more computers are being purchased and the more people are using the internet, the more victims are becoming at risk of cyber crimes. Being on the internet is not always safe, whether it may be purchasing a shirt online or checking your emails; people fall under the traps and become a victim of cyber crimes causing such an inconvenience and even ruining certain people’s lives. Cybercrimes are when crimes are conducted through the Internet in which a perpetrator intentionally acts with a computer and gains from the victim’s suffering. There are numerous cybercrimes such as electronic embezzlement and financial theft, computer hacking, malicious sabotage (such as creating and distributing viruses), internet scams and the utilization of computers and its networks for purposes of personal, commercial, or international espionage (Rosoff, S. M., & Pontell, H. N. 2013).

    Read More

  • CyberCrime

    2979 Words  | 6 Pages

    The advantages of technology and the internet have led more criminals to use cyberspace to commit crimes. The threat of cybercrime is increasing as globalization continues to spread across the world. While the impact of globalization has led to amazing, new discoveries throughout the world, Internet connectivity has also made cybercrime easier. America and the rest of the world have become more reliant on technology and use it in more aspects of their lives, technology-users make themselves more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Globalization and the growing use of computers in the world have given people a motive to learn more about computing and become more knowledgeable as programmers. As these people learn more, there is a risk that they will use their new intelligence to commit cybercrimes.

    Read More

More about How Technology is Used to Commit Crime

Open Document