While there is a wealth of information that can be learned and taken from the internet, it is also true that there are many internet crimes that a person can commit online. Keep reading to learn about five of the most commonly charged internet crimes. If you end up charged with one of them, contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation.

1. Hacking

If a person gains unauthorized access to an information system, network, or network device, they may have committed a cybercrime. These people are often referred to as hackers and this is the most common cybercrime. Note that merely hacking is not illegal – some hackers work with the law and do not break it. Those who do break the law could face up to a decade in prison.

2. Phishing Scams

This type of cybercrime involves deceiving a person to release private information, such as their bank account numbers, social security numbers, or various passwords. It usually begins with a cold contact via text, email, or phone, and the person committing the crime will generally pose as a representative of the victim’s bank or another position that would give reason for the affected party to give out their personal information.

3. Identity Theft

A person often is the victim of identity theft as a result of a phishing scam. The person committing the crime uses the personal data they have received via their phishing scam to steal from the victim. This could include information about credit cards, social security numbers, bank account info, and much more. Phishing is prevalent but not always involved. In other cases, malware injection or an actual attack on the person in question can be used.

4. Cyberstalking

When a person uses the internet to monitor and harass a person online, they may be guilty of cyberstalking. This is especially true if they use the victim’s online info to find out where the victim lives, works, or goes to school. Cyberstalking can lead to physical crimes such as assault or murder.

5. Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is often the step that comes after cyberstalking. It involved deliberately targeting a person or persons for harassment. It can include abuse messages, unlawfully obtained nude images of the victim, videos, photos, or fake accounts. Cyberbullying has led to suicides and self-harm in the past, which is why these cases are taken more seriously than they were in the past.

Talk to an Attorney to Fight Back Against Charges

If you have been charged with any of the above internet crimes – or an internet crime you do not see listed – then your next step should be a call to Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation. We are standing by to help you find the best way forward from these charges.