Identity Theft in the Social Media Era
Identity theft is not a new crime. It’s been around for decades and continues to impose harsh consequences for those who are accused. However, a rather “new” type of identity theft has surfaced. Social media identity theft involves hacking accounts and/or using people’s personal information to create fake social media profiles and commit cybercriminal acts.
Social media is a widespread tool that keeps people connected. Users rely on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat to communicate amongst each other, research topics, read the news and more. Social media accounts display people’s names, birthdays, hometowns, educational institutions, photos, locations and other personal information that is easily accessible to the public. Even if an account is ‘private’, let’s be honest, nothing on the internet is private.
As such, cybercriminals can commit wrongful acts via identity theft on social media in a variety of ways. They include:
- Sending messages with a link that places malicious malware on computers in order to access personal information
- Creating fake accounts using other people’s photos, names and other personal information to commit fraudulent acts, such as:
- Requesting money for charity, and pocketing that “charity” money
- Posting provocative, hateful and explicit photos and texts
- Sending messages to a person’s social media followers with a link that places malicious malware on their computers
- ‘Catfishing’ people by tricking them into thinking they’re talking to the real account holder, rather than a cybercriminal, and requesting money or committing fraudulent acts against them
- Hacking people’s social media accounts and accessing their personal information, including bank details, that can be used to commit fraud
Accused of Identity Theft? Let Us Defend You.
Identity theft can be charged as a felony in Texas, meaning you must defend your freedom and future at all costs. The stakes are high in identity theft cases, as the government will exhaust all of its resources to punish you to the highest extent of the law. Although this is a worst-case scenario, it’s important to be mindful of what you’re up against. Luckily, you have options.
A Denton felony defense attorney can guide you through various defenses available to your unique case, such as arguing that your social media account was hacked, therefore you did not commit identity theft but instead was a victim of such crime. Derek Adame has a proven track record for helping clients resolve their felony charges by getting them either reduced or dismissed altogether, and will go above and beyond to help you achieve the same favorable result.
Your future depends on the law firm you choose to represent you, so choose wisely by putting Derek A. Adame, Attorney at Law on your side! To get started, schedule your free initial consultation as soon as possible at (940) 591-0005!