Online Identity Theft

Research Paper # 99157

Computer and Technology
Criminology

This paper presents a proposal for training law enforcement agencies in combating electronic thieves.

1,791 words () | 16 sources | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper reveals that law enforcement are hindered in identifying and arresting electronic thieves due to their unfamiliarity and lack of training when dealing with Internet crimes. The paper addresses the growing problem of agencies' needs and proposes a project to train the detectives in investigative techniques in the elimination of cyber-criminals.

Outline:
Statement of the Problem
Background of the Problem
Constraints, Limitations, Opportunities
Options for Consideration
Recommendation

From the Paper:

"Although there are different types of identity theft committed in different ways, this research proposal will examine online identity theft specifically. For this purpose, online identity theft is defined as an electronic acquisition (through the use of computers and the Internet) of sufficient data for one individual to successfully impersonate another, often for the purpose of monetary gain (Marshal, 2005). This kind of crime has become a serious problem. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that ten million Americans were victims of online identity theft in 2002. Over 27 million Americans have been victims of some form of identity theft from 1998 to 2003. In 2004, merchandise and services obtained by identity theft perpetrators exceeded $52 billion. Identity theft is currently the fastest growing crime according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation."

Sample of Sources Used:

Collier, P. A., & Spaul, B. J. (1992). Problems in policing computer crime. Journal of Policing and Society, 2, p. 307-320.
Furnell, S. (2002). Cybercrime: Vandalizing the Information Society. Boston: Addison- Wesley Professional.
FBI National Press Office (September, 2007). Preliminary Crime Statistics for January-June 2006. Retrieved from <www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm>.
Goodman, M. D. (1997). Why the police don't care about computer crime. Harvard Journal of Law & Technology, 10(3), 466 - 494.
Groover, R. S. (1996). Overcoming obstacles: preparing for computer related crimes. FBI Bulletin, 65, p. 8-10.