There are many different types of online scams that may qualify as white collar crimes. One of them is known as a phishing scheme.
Essentially, this is a scam that seeks sensitive information through fraudulent means. For example, the person perpetuating the scam may send an email to a consumer, and the email will appear to be from a source they are already familiar with, like a mortgage company, a bank, a credit union or an internet service provider.
In the email, login and account details will be requested. For instance, an email pretending to be from a bank may say that account access has been lost and that the person needs to provide their login information so that they can have seamless access to their funds. Someone who really thinks the message is from their bank may provide all of those details and email them to the scammer.
The true goal
The real goal of the scam, of course, is to obtain access to those accounts. In some cases, the person carrying out the scam will directly access the account once they get the login information, and they could drain the funds. In other cases, they will set up financial accounts, such as credit cards, using the other person’s details.
Your defense options
White collar crimes and computer crimes in general are often very complex. If you are facing allegations, you need to know about all of your legal defense options. These could focus on questioning the validity of the evidence, such as determining who actually wrote, sent or profited from the email. It could also center around police procedures, such as carrying out searches of computers, cellphones, servers and other such devices while looking for digital evidence.
Regardless of the specifics of your unique case, if you are facing these serious charges, it can help to work with an experienced defense attorney.