Internet scams have become widely common in recent years. As more and more people communicate and conduct business online, scam artists are coming up with more schemes to defraud people of their money and property. Because of the rise in cybercrime, the government is also taking an active role in ferreting the perpetrators and assessing harsh penalties for Internet scam.

WHAT CONSTITUTES AN INTERNET SCAM?

We can define an “Internet scam” as any attempt to defraud someone of money or property via the Internet. Here are a few common examples:

•  Phishing: Attempting to trick a person into giving out personal information that the scam artist can use to steal their money or identity. This often comes in the form of an urgent, official-looking email urging the recipient to verify an account.
• Fake contests or prizes: This usually takes the form of a pop-up or email saying you’ve won a prize, then asking for money or credit card information up front to claim it.
• Fake job offers and investment opportunities: Again, presenting a front of good tidings, then asking for money. (Many Ponzi schemes are fronted in this manner.

There are many others, of course, and more are being contrived every day. Essentially anytime someone uses the Internet to defraud someone, whether through mass emails, fake online ads or one-on-one contact, it classifies as an Internet scam.

PENALTIES FOR INTERNET SCAMS

The actual penalties for Internet scams may differ based on the amount of money involved. However, it’s important to understand three things:

1. Most Internet scams are prosecuted under federal law because they cross state lines, which means penalties are usually more severe.
2. Most Internet scams actually fall under two other classifications of fraud: wire fraud (fraud using electronic communication) and computer fraud (fraud using a computer). Each of these crimes carries a penalty of huge fines and/or up to 20 years in prison per count, and it’s possible to have multiple charges levied per incident.
3. No actual exchange of money or property has to take place for you to be charged with fraud. The government only needs to be convinced that you attempted to do so.

Suffice it to say that if you’re accused of scamming someone using the Internet, or even trying to do it, you may be facing serious fines and jail time if convicted. For expert legal advice and representation, and for more information about the possible penalties for Internet scams, contact the Federal Criminal Law Center today.