Introduction
The internet is a great help to everyone, but it also has some drawbacks. For instance, it has become an avenue for many people to commit illegal activities and crimes. These unlawful acts are typically done to torment others or steal money from businesses and individuals.
Anyone who becomes a victim of such crimes should immediately find a lawyer. Yap, Kung, Ching & Associates Law Office offers legal assistance to anyone who needs lawyers who are particularly knowledgeable about cybercrimes and cyber security laws in the Philippines. Be sure to get in touch with our team today for more information about our services.
Phishing Scams
Phishing is a well-known online scam that involves misleading people into voluntarily giving away their personal information, which can be used for various criminal acts. In many cases, fraudsters will create fake websites that mimic another trusted site. They can copy the appearance of social media platforms, online banking sites, and more.
When an unsuspecting individual logs their account into the website (which they did not know was fake), the fraudster will get their username and password. The victim might even unknowingly provide the fraudsters with other important information, such as their social security and bank account numbers.
Fraudsters can use such information to steal money directly from the victim’s bank account. If the culprits cannot do that, there are still many ways for them to profit from selling other people’s personal information.
Staying vigilant is one of the primary ways to avoid becoming a victim of online phishing scams. However, if fraudsters can still get your personal information, be sure to seek help from lawyers with plenty of experience in helping victims of cyber crimes in the Philippines. The lawbreakers can be sent to prison and fined, depending on the severity of their crime.
Online Harassment and Cyberbullying
Harassment and bullying can also happen in the virtual world, and they are more widespread than you might have imagined. According to the Anti-Cyberbullying Act, cyberbullying refers to various acts of cruelty committed online that can result in fear and emotional harm to the victim. A few concrete examples include distributing insulting information about the victim, repeatedly sending offensive or threatening messages, and posting derogatory images of the victim, regardless of whether they were altered.
In some cases, cyberbullying involves breaking into the victim’s email or social media accounts and using them to publish malicious posts. If this happens to anyone you know, advise them to seek professional help immediately. They can visit psychologists, especially if the harassment they received online took a great toll on their mental well-being.
Seeking legal help is necessary, as well. Lawyers who are well-versed in cyberbullying laws and cyber security regulations in the country can provide the assistance the victim needs in pressing charges against the culprits. Any person who is found guilty can be fined, imprisoned, or both.
Cyber Prostitution
Prostitution refers to sexual or lascivious acts committed by a person in exchange for money, profit, or various favors. It is illegal in any way or form, so it stands to reason that it should also not happen even in the virtual world. However, cyber prostitution (or sexual and lascivious conduct done online) is still quite rampant in the Philippines.
There are many ways this crime is committed in the country, and many of its victims are minors who are misled to do such acts in exchange for money. Since this is a serious crime, the penalty for criminals can also be pretty grave. Those who will be found guilty of committing such acts can be fined at least ₱200,000 and be imprisoned for at least six years, according to the law, which was passed in 2012.
Victims are encouraged to request assistance from professionals who can help them in various means, including psychologically and legally. For legal aid, victims are advised to request services from lawyers who know about Cybercrime Prevention Act, which has provisions against cyber security, cyber sex, and other illegal acts committed online.
Cyber Squatting
Cyber squatting is a type of cybercrime that involves profiting from domain names. It can exist in many forms, but the most common ones are:
- Typosquatting – The perpetrator will register a domain name that mimics a popular site but with a minor difference. In some cases, fake websites have an extra letter or symbol, making it harder for visitors to tell they are not real.
- Name Jacking – This involves registering a domain similar to a well-known or even trademarked company name. The company owner can no longer use that name for their website unless they buy it from the cyber squatter.
- Identity Theft – Perpetrators will buy an existing domain name with an expired registration. The cyber squatter will not relinquish domain name ownership unless the previous owner (who wants to use it again) pays.
- Reverse Cyber Squatting – This crime involves creating a company based on an existing domain name. The perpetrator will then sue the domain name owner for cyber squatting and profit off the lawsuit.
In most cases, cyber squatters target businesses, no matter how small or big they are. If your company falls victim to this crime, seeking legal assistance immediately is essential. Be sure to contact an attorney specializing in cyber security laws in the Philippines. They can suggest the proper legal actions to take regarding the matter.
Identity Theft
Identity theft involves the unauthorized use of another person’s information, such as name, phone number, and birthday. These personal details are used by fraudsters to commit unlawful acts, such as theft and scams. According to a recent report, identity theft is rampant in the Philippines, and about 5 million Filipinos believe they have fallen victim to it.
There are many ways to combat identity theft and prevent yourself from becoming victimized by it. Be sure to be wary of various websites, and double-check their authenticity before logging in your information to them. Reading privacy statements is also crucial to avoid this crime as much as possible.
However, if someone still successfully steals your identity online, immediately seeking legal assistance is crucial. Contact lawyers who are well-informed about cyber security laws in the Philippines to help you with your problem. If the perpetrator is found guilty, they can be jailed for up to 12 years.
Conclusion
Illegal activities committed online are done for many reasons, such as threatening, harassing, or stealing from another person. These crimes should be prevented as much as possible, so stay vigilant when navigating the internet to avoid falling victim to these acts.
If you think you have been victimized by any illegal online acts, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. YKC Law is here to help you. We are well-versed in cyber security laws in the Philippines, so feel free to request our legal services if deemed necessary. Contact our staff today to schedule a consultation with us.
