Discuss how the impact of being a victim of cyber-crime differs from being a victim of traditional crimes. In what ways can victim advocates best assist a victim of cyber-crime?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A large percentage of cyber-crime is a migration of traditional crimes into cyber-space. Fraud, theft, forgery, and extortion are crimes that can all be facilitated through cyber-space. While this greatly affects the individual, the individual is not the target but rather their property and personal information are the targets in cyber-crimes. Cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking, and sexual exploitation are all forms of one-to-one victimization perpetrated online. The almost unlimited opportunities to remain connected through mobile devices, online forums, social networking sites, and video or photo sharing sites has made online harassment extremely common with devastating effects on those victimized. It is extremely important for victim assistance personnel to recognize the different types of Internet fraud and understand the impacts it has on victims. By helping victims identify the type and extent of the fraud is crucial to getting them the needed assistance. Bailes et al. (2013) write that victim assistance personnel need to first listen and let victims tell the whole story. Once through, then they can try to help victims piece together a chronological, fact-based account of the fraud.