Internet Crime

Crime has always been an issue in this messy yet dangerous world we live in. Whether it?s a mugging, robbery, or rape, you will probably see it on the news at 11. Since the Internet has come the crime has reached a whole new level that everyone should clearly be aware of. Internet crime is as vast and widespread as your cable modem will reach. Now that we have the ability to reach those who reside thousands of miles away with a simple click of a mouse, they certainly have the ability to reach us as well. Especially in the new millennium, we have seen an awesome rise in crime via the Internet. Since the Internet crime community consists of most of the world, we have to be especially wary of who we?re talking to.

Internet crime can consist of identity theft, which is a profound problem with our compact, high-speed buddies we hold so dear on our laps. Twenty years ago we?d of never thought that someone could enter our homes or bank accounts via a personal computer. However, with new technology, comes new problems.

My wife had a personal bout with identity theft when she discovered a 250-dollar charge to her bank account for a cell phone service. How did this get there? Who knows! The bank was kind enough to eliminate the charge, but had no idea where or who it came from. That?s scary! If we actually think about it, we render our personal information to strangers on a daily basis. With credit cards in the mall or checks in the grocery store, we do provide some of the public with an access to our money. Unfortunately now, the Internet is a vulnerable cyberspace of personal data. How many of us make transactions online or bank from our home computer?

On a more severe note, Internet crime stretches beyond our bank accounts and IDs. Our children are at risk every time they log onto a world wide web of strangers and predators, anxious to dupe a child into their vicious clutches. As a world of Internet surfers, we have to pay special attention to whom we converse with in an unpredictable cyberspace. Furthermore, when and where our children log on, and who they chat with. While we need and love computers and the Internet because of its handiness, we have to proceed with caution.