Internet fraud and identity theft The Internet is not just an information medium; it is a communication tool. By creating a new social sphere and environment, the Internet allows virtually anyone to participate in it. Chat rooms, discussion forums, instant messaging services, and email are all mediums that allow people to engage in communication. However, although the Internet is in the public domain, individuals are not required to represent themselves honestly. Many people use fake names and identities on the Internet. As a result, detecting authenticity, genuineness and sincerity can prove problematic. Therefore, given the Internet's opportunity to perpetuate misrepresentations, the digital depiction of society's culture and individuals is misleading. While people may seek comfort in some Internet social communities, it is unknown what artificial perceptions they conform to. As a result, the ability to steal identities is easy and common. Internet identity theft is a modern crime that many internet users are unaware of and which can have serious implications. However, understanding how to prevent such violations allows the user to maintain enjoyment of the network as a whole. Many people use the Internet exclusively for work, information and entertainment. They do not engage in criminal activity online or readily provide personal information. Be careful what they offer, people seek security by enabling passwords and secret answers. The Internet may also seem safe despite little regulation and no legal limits. Unfortunately, identity theft on the Internet is simple, straightforward, and the victim is usually completely unaware and unaware of the...... middle of paper ......11 Nov.2004 .Newman.JQ( 1999) Identity Theft identity : Cybercrime of the Millennium.Port Townsend:Loompanics.Roberts, Paul. Phishing business. October 1, 2003. CSO:2002-2004 CXO Media Inc Nov. 11. 2004 .Suler.J.(199) The psychology of cyberspace (www.rider.edu/users/suler/psycyber/disinhibit.html) Thompson, Roger. We must defeat spyware. August 9, 2004. 2001-2004 Ziff Davis Media Inc. November 11, 2004 .What is identity theft and fraud? May 6, 2000. United States Department of Justice. November 11th. 2004 .