Historically, white-collar crimes are not viewed as being in the same category as other criminal activity. These types of crimes are often harder to catch, harder to prove, and do not have the same stigma as other criminal activity such as violence, robberies, or illegal drug sales. But, white-collar crimes, including cybercrimes (crimes that take place on the Internet) are still considered to be serious. If you have been accused of committing such an act, you will need an experienced attorney to argue on your behalf.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Even before you have been accused of illegal activity on the Internet, there are several things you can do to protect yourself such as:
– using anti-virus software
– ignoring social media requests from people you don’t know
– using a different password for all your accounts
– using only encrypted sites when making purchases online
– not storing your credit card information on other websites
Proceeding with caution is key to keeping your own information safe.
If you happen to work for a company in which you have access to confidential information (such as account numbers, social security numbers, etc.) do not be tempted by this information to commit illegal activity. Additionally, if you have access to money within your company or bank accounts because you work in a financial profession, use this information for work purposes only. And, if you happen to witness any suspicious activity, be sure to report it to your boss, or another person of authority within the organization.
If You Are Accused, What Should You Do?
Because of the criminal nature of cybercrimes, if you are accused of illegal activity, you will want to contact an experienced attorney – specifically one that handles white-collar crimes. Know that you can and may be prosecuted as a criminal, depending on the circumstances, and could be subject to jail time and monetary penalties. A legal professional, like Kevin DeVore, will be able to review the circumstances of your case and determine your best course of action, for minimal restitution.
Finding yourself as the victim of a crime, or being accused as the perpetrator–neither of these is an easy position from which to maneuver. Allowing a legal professional to give you the advice and assistance you need during this difficult time can help you recover from the crime, maintain your professional and personal reputation, and begin to move forward with your life. An experienced attorney can also help determine if you were, in fact, unjustly accused. Either way, you will have a greater chance for a more favorable outcome than if you tried to defend yourself in these serious circumstances.
Writer LaGeris Underwood Bell offers this information in this article as a pre-emptive strike against the accusation of cybercrime by a boss or client. If a contractor or employee is trapped in such a dilemma, she encourages them to see the services of an attorney like Kevin DeVore to guide them through their legal entanglement and back into the professional mainstream.
Leave a comment