Internet Hoaxes and Fraud

1300 Words3 Pages

Internet Hoaxes and Fraud

The Internet has many benifical uses that everyone can use to create an easier and more relaxed life. People can now work in there home over the computer, purchase goods and services and even meet new people. The Internet has taken the vast amount of space that separate people from across the world and connects them through a network of phone lines, cable and DSL modems, and even satellites. Unfortunately, with this great new technology we face a new problem. Internet fraud and hoaxes have become a great and expensive problem in today's high pace world of computers. It also raises the moral and ethical issues involved in the transactions of goods over the net and also who is trustworthy.

There are many types of fraud that can be found on the Internet, the first of which are hoaxes. One might ask what are hoaxes and how can they adversely affect the flow of money on the net. According to the CIAC (Computer Incident Advisory Capability) Internet hoaxes are written with one purpose and that is to send out a message, usually through email, that contains untrue information whether it be information over a virus or a letter trying to invoke sympathy so that the recipients will pass it along to his/her friends, this is sometimes called chain mail or letters. If a person looks at the costs of these hoaxes it may seem insignificant at first glance but when one digs deep it will add up. The reason being is that if everyone receives one of these letters and sends it on, the cost of that one letter adds up as it is passed on down the line. An example of this can be found again on the CIAC website, they state that if everyone spends one minute on each hoax and then discards it the formula would look l...

... middle of paper ...

...nt of an alternative dispute resolution system that would provide the consumer with a prompt, fair, and accessible assistance with complaints without them waiving their legal rights.

As one can see the Internet has proven to be the new Wild West, were scam artist and pranksters roam looking for innocent victims to either torment with spam mail or to rob blind. Either way you look at it both ethical and moral standards are violated. Many organizations both federal and private are trying to stop this growing problem but just like the Wild West when it was still new to everyone a few laws or regulations won't stop the problem. The best defense and possible the best solution to this problem was stated in the report from the NCL the consumers must learn the signs of fraud and learn how to protect themselves from the hoaxes and scams that flood the internet today.

More about Internet Hoaxes and Fraud

Open Document