Computer Crime

Windham Police Department
Computer Crimes in Maine

Definition of computer crime:

"Any illegal act for which knowledge of computer technology is used to commit the offense."

White collar crime, internet fraud and various other crimes are being reported on a daily basis to police agencies though out the state. These crimes are being committed with the use of email, Instant Messaging, Chat Rooms and Internet Fraud.

Therefore, police departments are training officers to specialize in computer technology in order to investigate the increasing number of computer crimes being reported. The Maine Computer Crimes Task Force has also been established and is operated by funding and grants through the Maine Attorney General's Office.

Check out the National Cyber Security Alliance link for Tips, which will help keep computer users from falling victim to high-tech criminals.

When purchasing items via an ONLINE AUCTION verification of the sellers identity is crucial. Before using a credit card or sending any money confirm as much information as possible about the seller. Non delivery of goods or misrepresentation is one of the most common type of frauds committed via the internet. If you are a victim of this type of Fraud (Theft by Deception) report it to your local police department as well as the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC).

The Windham Police Department has been a voting member of the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) since 06-11-02, which works in collaboration with the FBI and IFCC. Complaints of a criminal nature, which are filed with the IFCC and have a zip code of 04062 are forwarded to the Windham Police Department for Investigation.

The State of Maine has enacted several pieces of legislation that have been designed to specifically target individuals who are involved in the sexual exploitation of minors and other individuals who use computers to commit other crimes. Links to these criminal statues are listed below, just click the link to view the complete statue.

Sexual Exploitation of Minors Title 17-A

§259. Solicitation of child by computer to commit a prohibited act

§2 82. Sexual exploitation of minor

§283. Dissemination of sexually explicit material

§284. Possession of sexually explicit material

§285. Forfeiture of equipment used to facilitate violations

Computer Crime (Specific) Title 17-A

§432. Criminal invasion of computer privacy

§433. Aggravated criminal invasion of computer privacy

Crimes which can be committed with a computer, Title 17-A

§210. Terrorizing

§210-A. Stalking

§354. Theft by Deception

§506-A. Harassment

§506-B. Violation of Protective Order and Harassment Order

§905-A. Misuse of identification

Windham is no exception to the increase in computer crime and has investigated several crimes as the result of computer technology. These crimes include:

Dissemination of Sexually Explicit Material

Possession of Sexually Explicit Material

Unlawful Sexual Contact

Solicitation of child by computer to commit a sexual act

Stalking

Terrorizing

Misuse of Identification

Harassment

Theft by Deception

A Suspect has been identified and prosecution initiated in each of the examples above. Below are some of the Crimes, which are being committed with computer technology throughout the country.

White-collar crime	Credit-card fraud	Embezzlement	Drug trafficking
Stalking and harassing	Forgery	Financial fraud	Hacking
Child Solicitation	Telephone fraud	Cellular fraud	Gambling/Bookmaking
Child Pornography	Prostitution	Murder	Rape/Sex Crimes
Invasion of corporate computer assets	Invasion of corporate telecommunications	Gathering intelligence about private matters	Violations of personal privacy

For more information about Identity Theft and Internet Fraud click on the links

Identity Theft and Internet Fraud & Resources

Home Administration Animal Control Anonymous Tips Community Services Community Safety Center Computer Crimes

Detectives Dispatch Employment Opportunities Guest Book Honor Guard Identity Theft Internet Fraud & Resources

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