A new group of criminals has adapted to the Internet, emailing consumers for money and creating imitation sites that mimic legitimate companies and financial institutions for the purpose of tricking consumers into revealing their personally identifiable information.  Law enforcement, the public and state and federal government agencies must work together to protect Internet users — especially the most vulnerable — from Internet crimes and fraud.

To help in this effort, LawHelp.org/NY launched a special site called “Internet Fraud: Crimes and Prevention,” which covers a wide range of Internet fraud and crimes.  The new area on LawHelp.org/NY, also accessible via www.GetNetSmart.org, is devoted to increasing awareness and helping Internet users prevent and report all types of Internet fraud and crime.

According to a recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report on Consumer Fraud and Identity Theft Complaint Data, in 2007 consumers reported paying more than $526 million to Internet criminals.

A majority of consumers do not report online fraud, though according to the FTC such reporting is critical to help stop unlawful operations.  The public is often not aware of the resources available online and in their communities for reporting and preventing Internet crime.

The new area on LawHelp.org/NY is a unique portal to more than 500 such resources in 24 areas, including “Email Scams, Hoaxes & Spam,” “Phishing and Pharming” and “Reporting Internet Fraud & Crimes.”  The resources — from law enforcement agencies, not-for-profit online safety groups and government agencies — were chosen for their usefulness and accuracy and reviewed by a team of experts.

LawHelp/NY (www.LawHelp.org/NY) is an on-line tool for helping low-income New Yorkers solve their legal problems.

For more information, see www.getnetsmart.org