What are Variations on Phishing Schemes?
When a person is charged with a fraud or fraud-related offense under state or federal law, the alleged act often involves some use of the computer. In the third decade of the twenty-first century, the rapid growth of the internet and related technology has resulted in new types of fraud schemes and complex ways of defrauding individuals. Phishing schemes have become relatively common, and when a person is accused of phishing, they can ultimately face felony charges under federal law and may also face charges under state law.
While phishing itself is a somewhat new term, it is a term that has itself become an umbrella term for several other types of related offenses that are often placed under the broader category of “phishing.” What are some of these variations on phishing schemes, and what types of charges should you expect to face if you are accused of any of these acts? Our Tampa federal fraud defense lawyers can explain in more detail.
Variations on Phishing Schemes
In order to understand some of the more common variations on phishing schemes, it is important to be clear what is meant by “phishing” more generally. Phishing is a practice that refers to a scam that is aimed at tricking a person into providing personal information to the scammer so that the scammer can have access to the person’s bank account, credit card, or similar. Phishing schemes often involve emails that appear to be from legitimate sources that ask a person to input a PIN, bank password, or similar so that the information can be stolen.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), over the last few years, “phishing has evolved,” and there are now several related schemes that have been recognized and prosecuted under similar laws as phishing. Those schemes include:
- Vishing, which is a phishing-related scam that occurs over the phone or voice;
- Smishing, which is a phishing-related scam that occurs through short message service (SMS) or texting; and
- Pharming, which is a phishing-related scam that involves installing malicious code on a person’s computer to redirect the person to a fake website where personal information can be gathered.
Charges for Variations on Phishing Schemes
The variations on phishing schemes discussed above are often charged in the same manner as more broadly understood phishing schemes, which usually means charges under one of the following:
- Federal wire fraud statute;
- Federal identity theft statute; and/or
- Florida Communications Fraud Act.
Contact a Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer for Help Defending Against Phishing or Related Charges in Florida
Many white-collar offenses involving use of the internet can be complicated, and various terms are often used to refer to different related acts that may all be charged under statutes such as the federal wire fraud or identity theft statutes, or under state law under the Florida Communications Fraud Act. No matter what type of phishing-related or fraud charges you are facing, it is essential to work with an experienced Tampa fraud defense attorney at the Law Offices of Daniel J. Fernandez, P.A. on your defense strategy. Contact our firm today to discuss the particular details surrounding your arrest and to get started on a defense strategy that is specifically tailored to the facts of your case.
Source:
fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/spoofing-and-phishing
