(((Who's next, I wonder.)))
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7697704.stm
Link: BBC NEWS | Technology | Cybercrime wave sweeping Britain.
Cybercrime in the UK rose by more than 9% in 2007, according to a new report.
Online identity firm Garlik's cybercrime report claims that more than 3.5 million online crimes were committed in the UK last year.
The majority of crimes related to fraud and abusive or threatening emails. There was an 8% drop in online identity theft and sexual offences fell 2%.
Tom Ilube, of Garlick, said he expected to see a growth in online financial fraud due to the credit crunch. (((That kinda makes sense... "fish rots from the head down," "every man for himself," not to mention that horde of recently fired bankers. Jerome Kerviel, we scarcely knew ye.)))
"Everyone who goes online will be the subject of some kind of internet crime"
Andrew Goodwill
3rd Man
In 2007, the sharpest rise was in online financial fraud, with more than 250,000 incidents reported in 2007; a 20% rise on the previous year.
The report highlighted a growing professionalism among online criminals, with personal and credit details being traded online.
Garlik said that the information black market had doubled, with more than 19,000 illicit traders identified. (((That's a pretty good-sized subculture. I wonder what else they're trading. Fashion hints, maybe.)))
Abuse and blackmail
Online harassment also increased. More than two million people were the victim of an abusive email, false accusation or blackmail attempt....
