Computer fraud can be defined as the use of a computer to gain unauthorized access to information or perform activities with the explicit goal of gaining material goods at the expense of others through criminal means. While fraud has been around since the advent of humanity, computer fraud is a relatively recent phenomenon, and since computers are so ubiquitous in the everyday lives of most of us, we are all exposed to its dangers to some degree. To be aware of computer fraud and to effectively prevent–or, in more unfortunate cases, report–it, it is important to know some of the more common forms of computer fraud. Keep in mind, however, that the particular methods of computer fraud evolve at a very fast pace, so “being aware” is an ongoing process.

Internet fraud is one of the most common forms of computer crime, since it gives the criminal access to billions of other computers around the globe, and it is conducive to anonymity, making it easier to con unsuspecting users out of their money.

Identity fraud, while not always computer-related, is often committed through the use of computers, and it involves the criminal assuming the identity of another person to deceive the fraud victims. Illegal trafficking in sensitive personal data, such as user names, passwords, etc., also constitutes computer fraud. Criminals illegitimately accessing the victims’ email, social networking, or even online banking sites for fraudulent gains is considered computer fraud as well.