The Internet and the growing use of digital telecommunications in the United States and abroad holds many benefits for society. Information is a good thing; the ability for citizens to publish and exchange ideas via the Web holds much promise to our society. Transactions over the Web are convenient, saving time and money, but there are threats as well.
Corruption is one of the perils of global communications technology that concerns me.
According to a report on the FBI Web site, the “evolving cybercrime economy is one of the top five threats in 2009 and beyond. Criminal “malware” is growing in sophistication and availability, making it easier for criminals to get consumers’ credit card, bank account and personal information and passwords to make bogus transactions. Sophisticated software programs offer criminal organizations staff support and guarantees!
Last week the FBI and its global partners wrapped up a two-year undercover cyber operation that resulted in 56 arrests worldwide, the prevention of $70 million in potential losses. A forum on the Internet called “Dark Market” enabled 2,500 registered members to buy and sell stolen financial information such as credit card data, login credentials (user names and passwords), and even electronic equipment for carrying out financial crimes.
Personally, I know that I seem to spend a lot more time trying to get my money back from financial transactions that are fraudulent, if not just unfair.
For example, a restaurant I visited once, where I paid with my Visa Check in June, takes the money out of my checking account the next day — and then again five months later. My insurance company accidentally bills my account for a policy that is not mine. My bank, which has promised me “free checking,” is suddenly charging my account $30 a month.
Almost everyone I know has similar stories, if not worse. Identity theft is a real threat to all of us.
I don’t recall having to expend so much effort to protect myself financially 10 years ago.
Here are some of my concerns:
1. Is global communications technology giving rise to a new form of corruption that can be dismissed as an “oops” if caught, but succeeds often enough to entice some businesses to use it to add to the bottom line?
2. If these companies can so easily nibble on my credit cards what kinds of losses might we be looking at corporate and institutional financial accounts?
3. Could unscrupulous practices contribute to the weakened financial system in the United States?
4. Should we all go back to cash and carry so that we won’t be vulnerable to digital penny theft or worse?
5. Is law enforcement prepared to assist citizens and organizations victimized by corrupt or unethical digital transactions?
Resources on the Web
Here are six resources I found on the Web with information pertinent to corruption and cybercrime:
1. The FBI Web site is one rich source of information on cyber-corruption and crime. The FBI dedicates a branch to The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). IC3 enables victims of Internet fraud to file a complaint if they believe they have been defrauded. Third parties to the complainant (local, state and federal law enforcement) can also file cases for investigation here.
2. International Journal of Digital Crime and Forensics (IJDCF). The primary objective of IJDCF is to provide and foster a forum for advancing research and development of the theory and practice of digital crime prevention and forensics. It addresses a broad range of digital crime and forensics disciplines that use electronic devices and software for crime prevention and investigation. This seems to be a new Blog developed and the initial post was from a text document that still has broken links and is not quite fully working when I found it. But it looks like a promising source of information on digital corruption.
3. The Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Web site is another site that is rich in information about identity theft. This is the place where you should report if you are a victim of identity theft.
4. Michael Chertoff, director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security discusses the issue of cybersecurity in his online Leadership Journal. Chertoff suggests ways that all leaders and consumers can increase their cybersecurity.
5. Bruce Schneier’s blog covers all forms of security – airline security as well as cybersecurity — and his blog is regularly updated and has many good links on the issue. Schneier has good credentials as security technologist and author. Described by The Economist as a “security guru,” he is known as a security critic and commentator.
6. 419legal.org, “Targeting Spam and Fraud,” is an open forum where members can discuss potential scams and suspicious or fraudulent looking emails in a friendly atmosphere. There’s a wealth of information shared her. The forum divides posts into five topic areas: Introductions, Fraud News & Alerts, Scam & Spam Letter Archives, Spam & Fraud Discussions, E-mail Spam and Phishing and Fraudulent E-mails and Websites. This would be a good place to vet a Web site or any electronic offer before you do business. Keeps track of the latest fraud and phishing scams. I can’t seem to find who runs the site though. I wish they were more forthcoming about that.
My Recommendations
Obviously, in today’s world of rampant digital transactions, my first recommendation is that each of us be vigilant in checking the charges and changes to all our credit, savings and banking accounts. Know what you’re being charged for and why. I expect that all of us will have to continue to energetically pursue refunds for fraudulent charges to keep our money where it belongs.
Recommendation No. 2: Practice safe computing. Following Homeland Security Director Michael Chertoff’s 10 steps for safe computing will help protect you from fraud and a lot of other headaches.
Recommendations No. 3: When you witness or experience a fraudulent or corrupt practice, spread the word. You can help others avoid being victimized by cybercrime and fraud by posting information to forums and blogs, such as 419legal.org and Bruce Schneier’s blog. Also report the crime to the FTC and to the FBI cybercrimes units.