It’s not just a general perception, statistics also show that cybercrimes are becoming more common and frequent than crimes committed off the internet, such as muggings. “Today we are increasingly present in the digital world, so it is normal that crime is also present in this environment”, says the head of the DEIC-RS Computer Crime Repression Department, Thiago Albeche.
In his participation in PodcasTI Netfive, which addressed the evolution of crime in the episode “From the street to the network”, the delegate highlighted that some factors contribute to the increase in digital crimes. The nature of these crimes, which use the internet and its facilities, allows, for example, offenders to operate in a hidden manner, which makes their identification and capture by authorities difficult. Furthermore, according to Albeche, scammers develop plans with well-defined strategies to gain the potential victim’s attention and trust, exploring psychological aspects, such as feelings and emotions.
Henrique Schneider, CEO of Netfive and specialist in Information Security, led the conversation with the delegate and commented on user behavior on the web. “When we are on the street, it is common to be careful with our cell phones, wallets or other belongings. Now when we are browsing the internet, we lose this caution, and this makes it easier for criminals to act, which is very well organized”, he pointed out.
Main tactics used to carry out scams
One of the common strategies, according to delegate Thiago Albeche, is to induce a sense of urgency in victims. Scammers manipulate emotions, creating emergency scenarios, such as threats of fines, account blocking or situations involving family members, generating a climate of panic that leads people to act quickly without questioning. This strategy aims to trigger an impulsive response in victims, compromising their ability to critically analyze the situation.
There is also another tactic: offering financial advantages to attract victims. The promise of easy earnings, exorbitant discounts, tempting prizes or lucrative investment opportunities are examples of frequently used baits. These offers have captured the attention of people who, believing they are getting a good deal, provide personal information or make payments without evaluating the risks.
A police report is an important step for anyone who has been a victim
Another issue raised by the head of the police station specializing in computer crimes during the podcast is the importance of recording incidents. Most of the time, due to lack of knowledge of the procedures or even shame, victims fail to report the case to the police, which makes it difficult to investigate and resolve their own case and that of others.
As delegate Albeche explained, recording the police report is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, because this record creates an official document that can be used as evidence in police investigations, increasing the chances of identifying and punishing those responsible. Furthermore, it contributes to statistics and the creation of a database that helps understand and combat these crimes.
When reporting the crime, it is also possible to take measures to minimize possible damage and prevent new scams, strengthening awareness about online risks, which in the view of Netfive’s CEO, is essential for protection against these virtual threats. “The trend is that we are increasingly immersed in technology, so we need to have information about how criminals act and how to identify scams, so that people stay alert and don’t become victims. Awareness is the path to prevention”, emphasizes Schneider.
Albeche also highlighted that the registration of the police report does not only need to be done at specialized police stations. “It can and should be done at any police station. The fact that there is a Computer Crimes Police Station does not mean that it alone does the recording.” There is also the possibility of registering online, on the website: Online Police Station
