the Internet, e-mail can be sent to hundreds of thousands of people at almost no cost. If only a fraction of
one percent respond, that still represents a great many victims. (3) The Internet allows a sense of
anonymity. You do not know who or where the person is on the other end of that e-mail.
II. Identity Theft
Teaching Tips: In the Internet age, identity theft is a big issue. How can you prove
who you are to a loan officer, the police, or even a store? Every type of authentication is fast becoming
bits in a computer file. How can you protect those bits from being used to authenticate someone else? In
the future, how can you make sure that no one can impersonate you over electronic communications?
III. Cyber Stalking
Teaching Tips: Using the Internet, not only can a person find out everything about
you, but they can also reach out and harass you without even being near you. The Internet also allows a
PROJECTS/EXERCISES
I. Discussion Questions
A. Discussion Question 1
What skills does law enforcement need to combat cyber crimes?
Answer: Students’ answers may vary. Students should understand that law enforcement
professionals must be aware of the methods cyber criminals use.
B. Discussion Question 2
In Germany, many Web sites are illegal due to “hate crimes” that would be
perfectly legal in the United States under laws of “free speech.” How can countries
combat crimes on the Internet that span the globe if each country has its own set of laws?
Answer: Students’ answers may vary. Students should discuss the importance of different
countries cooperating to keep cyber crime under control.
II. Web Projects
A. Web Project 1
E-mail frauds that attempt to get you to pay an “advance fee” to receive millions
of dollars by helping to transfer funds are called Nigerian or 419 scams. It is so common
that it is fast becoming a majority of all spam. Go to Google.com and type in “Nigerian
fraud” or “419 fraud,” or go to www.potifos.com/fraud/index.html to find out why it is
named in this way. Try to locate one with the most outrageous claims and share it with
the class.