Ohio has been deemed tenth in the nation for internet crime. Internet crime can be defined as any illegal activity through the usage of the internet. There are many different types of internet crimes such as credit card fraud, extortion, harassment, Ransomware, and more.
Internet crime is a serious issue in the nation today and can lead to many problems and hardships. If you or a loved one has been charged with an internet crime, our Ohio criminal defense attorneys at Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA can assess your case and help you build a successful defense. Let us help you today by calling (419) 625-7770 to schedule a free initial consultation
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
In May of 2000, the FBI established the Internet Crime Complain Center (IC3) as a hub for complaints of internet crime. On average, the IC3 receives approximately 300,000 complaints of cyber crime per year.
Ohio ranks 10th in the nation for complaints reported by victims. In 2015, 2.69 percent of the Ohio population sent in complaints of being a victim of cyber crime to the IC3. This is just behind Washington, which had 2.72 percent of the population reporting internet crimes. California was at the top with 14.53 percent of its population reporting internet crimes.
Types of Cyber Crime
In 2015 in Ohio, the three largest types of internet crimes were non-payment/non-delivery, overpayment, and identity theft. These, along with other types of crimes, resulted in a total loss of $15 million that year.
Some common cyber crimes the IC3 tracks include:
- Ransomware – Ransomware is a software that targets gaps in technology and human intelligence. Often it is sent through phishing emails, which encrypt important documents. Once the victim realizes they are unable to access their data, they are commanded to pay a ransom in order to receive their data back.
- Business Email Compromise (BEC) – BEC targets businesses that work with overseas companies or who wire payments often.
- Email Account Compromise (EAC) – EAC is like BEC, however, it targets individuals rather than businesses.
Penalties of Cyber Crime
Penalties for internet crimes are established by each state. In Ohio, you can be punished for merely attempting to commit a cyber crime, regardless of its success or lack thereof.
Computer crimes can be categorized from a misdemeanor to a fifth-degree felony. Penalties may amount to up to a year of incarceration and $2,500 in fines.
In Ohio, identity theft is considered a felony, the degree of which is dependent upon the value of money, property, credit, debt, or other legal obligation involved. Penalties can result in up to 11 years in state prison. Those who target the elderly, disabled or active military personnel receive more severe punishments.
Contact Our Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyers for Help
If you have been charged with an internet crime, you need the defense of an experienced lawyer. Our Ohio criminal defense attorneys Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA can review and assess your case. Call today at (419) 625-7770 to schedule a free initial consultation.