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Frequently Asked Questions about Internet Crime

Q: Is spam illegal?

A: Spam (unsolicited, typically commercial email) is not illegal, but it is regulated. The federal CAN-SPAM Act (Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act) regulates commercial email. It prohibits certain deceptive practices and requires that commercial emails contain a way to opt out. Some states also have laws on spam.

Q: If I install filtering software on our home computer, is that enough to protect my kids?

A: While protective software is a start, it is only a first step. Your children can access computers from locations outside the home, and filtering software is not 100% effective. Speak with your children about the dangers of the Internet and make sure they know what to do in difficult or dangerous situations.

Computer crime costs as much as $50 billion per year. Public awareness and law enforcement vigilance are growing. If you have been charged with an Internet Crime, contact a knowledgeable attorney to understand your rights and options.

Texas Internet Crimes Defense Lawyer

If law enforcement authorities have questions regarding Internet crimes, you need a lawyer. Internet crimes can be complex and subject to heavy penalties, including long prison sentences. Talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney before you talk to anyone else. Internet crimes include a wide range of charges such as pornography, child pornography, solicitation of a minor on the Internet, identity theft, and inappropriate use of government property.

Contact me, San Antonio, Texas, criminal defense attorney Bill Baskette today for a free initial consultation regarding your case. My office hours are flexible, my fees are reasonable, and, as your lawyer, I will begin immediately to protect your rights.

Internet Crime - An Overview

The Internet has changed everyday life in ways too numerous to count. Instantaneous communication with people all over the world has become commonplace. The new technology has also created new legal issues, particularly in the area of criminal law. If you are facing charges of Internet crimes, including possession of child pornography and soliciting sex from a minor, contact an attorney from Law Offices of Bill Baskette in San Antonio, TX, for help.

Identity Theft

Identity theft happens when a person steals someone else's personal information and uses it to acquire loans, credit cards, automobiles and other items. The thief may even use the victim's identity to secure employment or avoid criminal charges. The information that perpetrators seek includes Social Security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, names, bank account information and credit card information. Over the past decades and with the growth of the Internet, identity theft has become an increasingly visible problem. Law enforcement, prosecutors and legislators have focused numerous resources on combating identity theft.

Child Pornography

The Internet has become a common means for the distribution of child pornography. Child pornography is illegal virtually everywhere in the world, and numerous law enforcement agencies have made it a priority. This means that cases are investigated and prosecuted aggressively.

4-1-9 Scams and Advance Fee Fraud

Many people who have email accounts have received a message promising a fabulous sum of money in return for assisting in the transfer of funds out of a country, usually Nigeria. Numerous businesses have also received faxes making similar offers. These proposals are part of a fraudulent scheme called a "4-1-9 scam"; it is named after the section of the Nigerian criminal code dealing with such fraud.

Solicitation of a Minor on the Internet

Solicitation of minors for sexual purposes on the Internet is an issue that has grown immensely in the past decade. It is a crime that has garnered a great deal of attention; newsmagazine shows highlight "stings" of alleged sexual predators, and the government and advocacy groups widely distribute information to help parents protect their kids. The consequences of a conviction for soliciting a minor on the Internet can be very serious.

Internet Crime Resource Links

Internet Crime Complaint Center
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center
(NW3C) have formed the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3); the IC3 processes complaints of Internet crime and refers them to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Internet Fraud
The FBI offers strategies for avoiding Internet fraud.

Don't Believe the Type
This interactive website for teens and kids gives useful advice on Internet safety.

FBI: Crimes Against Children
This FBI site provides information on crimes against children; Amber Alerts; and how to submit a tip to the FBI or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Innocent Images National Initiative
Innocent Images is an investigative arm of the FBI, targeting exploitation of children on the Internet; its website offers information on Internet safety and provides links to parental guides and sex offender registries.

Internet Crimes Info Center