Cyber Crimes

"I will use every resource of the attorney general's office to vigorously prosecute those corporations and individuals that use the Internet to commit crimes."

Many Missourians are being preyed upon by criminals and unscrupulous businesses that use the Internet to steal and harass from afar. The Office of the Attorney General is often the only place they can turn for help to investigate and prosecute these criminals. As attorney general, I will use every resource of the office to vigorously prosecute those corporations and individuals that use the Internet to commit crimes.

• Identity Theft: Identity theft occurs when someone takes your personal and financial information to steal from you and from others. While not as prevalent as online auction fraud, identity theft is costing Missourians more money. The attorney general's office can do more to protect Missourians. Along with educating Missourians about how to protect them from identity theft, my cyber crimes unit will actively investigate and prosecute those committing the theft.
• Auction Fraud: Auction fraud is by far the biggest complaint the federal and state government receive about online transactions. In 2006, the FBI received 1,459 complaints from Missourians regarding online auctions and the Missouri Department of Public Safety received 750. This represented 45% of the complaints the FBI received from Missourians. The attorney general's office will investigate and prosecute Missourians committing online fraud and work with other states to prosecute criminals stealing from our citizens.
• Harassment: The Internet makes many people feel anonymous and this has led some to believe they can harass others without reprisal. Fortunately, it is not difficult to track them down with today's technology. Online harassment can come in the form of unsolicited and/or unwanted emails or chat, and the public posting of personal information or photos.