Cybercrimes Unit

The Cyber Crimes Unit is responsible for the follow-up investigation of criminal cases involving cases where a computer has been used to perpetrate the crime. This unit is responsible for investigating and prosecuting a wide range of computer-related crimes, including computer intrusion, online auction fraud, email threats and harassment, identity and credit card fraud, theft of intellectual property, software piracy, music piracy, theft of computer components and software, web vandalism, counterfeiting, possession and distribution of child pornography, and online child luring.

How to minimize the chances of becoming a cyber crime victim:

	Have virus protection software on your computer. Have it set to check every incoming email, web pages, floppy disks, CD ROMS, etc. UPDATE THE VIRUS DEFINITIONS OFTEN!
	Install an active personal firewall to minimize the chances of a hacker breaking into your computer.
	Install a good spy ware program and make sure that it updates regularly.
	Keep computers out of children's rooms. THIS GOES FOR TEENAGERS ALSO!
	Never give out personal information over the Internet unless you are 100% sure it is a secure web site
	Talk to your children about the dangers of child predators and pedophiles on the Internet.
	Know all of your children's passwords or do not allow them to be on the Internet.
	Shred all of your junk mail or bills before throwing them away.
	If you buy things online, and you are confident that it is a safe site, use one specific credit card for that purpose. Check that card's monthly bills closely each month for unauthorized charges.
	Use your good common sense and have fun!

Online Tips for Kids

	Tell your parents right away if you come across information that makes you feel uncomfortable in any way.
	Talk with your parents about the Internet and set up rules for going online.
	Decide together upon the time of day for going online and how long you can be online.
	Make a written agreement with your parents on the areas of the Internet you can access.
	Tell your parents right away if anyone tries to talk you into running away or visiting them for a present or gift.
	It is important to NEVER give out personal information such as your home address, telephone number, parent's work address or telephone number, or the name and location of your school.
	Check with your parents first before agreeing to meet with someone you have met online. If they agree to the meeting, take one of your parents with you.
	Check with your parents before sending pictures of yourself or anyone else to someone you do not personally know.
	Talk with your parents about pictures or materials you receive from someone you do not know before downloading or opening them.
	You should not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make you feel uncomfortable.

Identity Theft Prevention Tips

Identity theft is a growing type of fraud worldwide. With the boom in Internet communications and commerce more and more information is submitted electronically, which makes identity theft a growing problem worldwide. Identity theft involves stealing someone's personal identifying information (such as name, address, date of birth, social security number, credit card numbers, driver's license numbers). Criminals who steal this personal information will use it to fraudulently obtain credit, money, goods, services and other property, including insurance policies.

Upon falsely assuming an identity, thieves will commit crimes including: opening phony bank accounts, establishing insurance policies, stealing from established bank accounts, obtaining unauthorized credit cards, applying for car or house loans, and leasing apartments with false names.

	Shred or tear up any personal financial documents before throwing them in the trash. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON WAY CRIMINALS GATHER YOUR INFORMATION!
	Do not print personal identifiers such as your social security number, date of birth or driver's license number of your check.
	Use your social security number only when necessary.
	Before revealing any information, online or in person, ask how it will be used.
	Do not answer personal, financial or identifying questions to an unknown telephone caller.
	Pay attention to billing cycles. ID thieves may reroute bills to another address to hide their illegal activities.
	Carefully review your monthly credit card statements, checking for any unauthorized use.
	Get a copy of your credit report at least once a year to check for errors.
	Eliminate the number of cards you carry, especially your social security card and passport.

Related Links:

FBI's "A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety" A comprehensive survival guide for parents and children.

ID Theft Federal Trade Commission Valuable information not only for law enforcement but for victim's of ID theft.

FBI's Online Child Pornography Prevention The Federal Bureau of Investigations Online Child Pornography Prevention Web Site and information.

SafeKids.com Child Safety on the Information Highway

This unit is a member of the FBI Cyber Crimes task force.