With the evolution of computerization and rapid growth of technology, we have not only seen new types of crimes, but the nature of these crimes has changed as a result of increasing technological capacities. Certainly there has been some empirical study of these computer crimes, most of which has been performed by private security companies largely along the lines of a risk assessment for particular industries. While these inquiries have provided new insights, they have normally been unpublished and narrowly focused.

Internet Crimes

The Internet has opened a number of opportunities for hackers and various new problems for law enforcement agencies. What is striking is the size of the Internet market and the relative ease, high speed and low cost with which a scam can flourish over the Internet. Victims may never have the chance to see or even speak to the attackers.

Credit Card Frauds

Credit card fraud is the most common Internet crime. Main reason is approximately 95% of Internet transactions originate from credit cards. Due to this, various different methods to perform credit card fraud on Internet have been created. The most popular methods for acquiring credit card information include stolen credit card numbers, and credit card number generators software. Although these are the most popular methods today, Internet crime is constantly increasing and fraud perpetrators are developing new advanced methods as merchants create new procedures to fight against fraud.

Stealing credit card numbers is the most common and the easiest way to perform Internet crimes. Majority of the stolen credit card numbers used on the Internet normally come from the physical shops. There are very few cases of credit card numbers being stolen over the Internet. Any person can pick up old statements or receipts, or can even be a waitress or waiter who processes your dinner bill. Apart from credit card numbers, a fraud perpetrator can also get personal information of any person. With this personal information and credit card number, fraud perpetrator can purchase expensive items over internet.

Credit card number generators are free softwares that are easily available on the Internet. These softwares are used by fraud perpetrators to create valid credit card numbers by brute force method or by stolen algorithm. These generated credit card numbers can easily pass the majority of online transaction. Combined with free or anonymous email accounts, these card numbers can also be used to make illegal purchase over Internet.

Online Auction Frauds

People may not deliver products, or their price may be overstated. In 1998, the National Consumers League (NCL) placed auction crimes at the top of its list of Internet crimes and warned all users to investigate any seller or auction site before placing a bid. The FBI, which received more than 15,000 complaints about Internet auction crimes in 1998 and 1999, has also issued similar warnings.

Email Fraud

Email fraud is related to spamming, online users are bombarded with unwanted fake commercial or personal email (called "spam") advertising fraudulent products or investment schemes. Thousands of email messages can be sent out in a very short amount of time. Fraud perpetrators can easily purchase email address lists from other legal companies. They also can use widely available email address locator software to conduct nationwide or worldwide searches of chat rooms and Internet directories in a very short period of time. In this way, fraud perpetrators can easily collect millions of valid email addresses for individuals or companies likely to be vulnerable to certain types of fake schemes.