Internet
crime, also referred to as cybercrime, includes, but is not limited to offences
such as theft, fraud, hacking, bullying, stalking and child sexual exploitation
(Australian Institute of Criminology, 2011). With tools such as online banking
and social networking rapidly becoming an integral part of everyday life, and
technology rapidly advancing, it is giving more and more opportunities for
internet criminals to commit their crimes quickly and anonymously, against
anyone, anywhere, at any time (Department of Justice, 2013).
There
are steps you can take if you are a victim of internet crime. Harassment and
bullying online are just as serious online as they are offline, and should not
be ignored or taken lightly (Office of the Australian Information Commissioner,
2013). Suggested ways to deal with these types of issues are:
·
Don’t retaliate – block the bully & update your privacy
settings.
·
Tell a parent or trusted adult about the situation.
·
Talk to someone from the Kids Helpline or a school counsellor.
·
Don’t be afraid to contact local police if you feel unsafe.
·
(Cybersmart, 2013).
If
you or someone you know has fallen victim to a more serious crime such as fraud
or identity theft, or come across material which you suspect could be
terrorism, child exploitation or drug trafficking, always report immediately to
the local or federal police and seek legal advice if necessary (Crimestoppers,
2013). It is important to notify your bank if you suspect someone has obtained
or used your account information, and report any fraudulent activity to SCAMwatch
(SCAMwatch, 2013).
Crimes
committed online have serious consequences. Hefty fines are issued to criminals
and imprisonment may also occur depending on the nature of the crime. Offences
such as harassment, threatening, and blackmailing have maximum penalties of
imprisonment between 3 to 15 years, with fines up to $5000. Distributing
unlawful material such as child pornography or suicide related material can
incur fines up to $100000 and up to 10 years imprisonment (Government of South
Australia, 2011).
Last year internet crime cost Australian citizens $2 billion,
ranking it the second most common type of economic crime in Australia
(Department of Justice, 2013). As technology continues to rapidly advance, the
internet is becoming more integral with everyday life. People need to be
consistently cautious online and ensure they report any suspicious or illegal
activities without delay. Always remember, don’t do something online that you
wouldn’t do in the real world!
Australian Institute of Criminology. (2011, July 18).
Cybercrime: key links. Retrieved from http://www.aic.gov.au/crime_types/cybercrime.html
Crimestoppers. (2013). CSA National. Retrieved from https://crimestoppers.com.au/
Cybersmart. (2013). Cyberbullying. Retrieved from http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/Teens/How%20do%20I%20deal%20with/Cyberbullying.aspx
Department of Justice. (2013, May 01). Cybercrime. Retrieved
from http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/home/safer+communities/crime+prevention/cybercrime
Government of South Australia. (2011). E-crime. Retrieved from http://www.sa.gov.au/subject/Education,+skills+and+learning/Health,+wellbeing+and+special+needs/Bullying+and+harassment/E-crime
Office of the Australian Information Commisioner. (2013). What
can I do if I’m being threatened, harassed or defamed online?. Retrieved from http://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-topics/internet-communications-and-other-technologies/what-can-i-do-if-i-m-being-threatened-harassed-or-defamed-online
SCAMwatch. (2013). Identity Theft. Retrieved from http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/identitytheft
