Computer Crimes Unit
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The Computer Crimes Unit is comprised of a Computer Forensic Laboratory and Computer Investigations. Computer Investigation deals with cases that involve computers, but where an actual machine is not necessary to complete the investigation. Investigators must track down suspects using computer data, subpoenas, and computer records.
They also work with Internet Service Providers to obtain enough information to get arrest warrants. Rarely are both the suspect and victim in the same State, so good relationships between Law Enforcement Agencies are a must. |
Types of Crimes Investigated
Identity Theft Fraudulent use or possession of another's information used to obtain value without consent of the owner.
Credit Card Abuse Presenting or using a credit card or debit card that has expired, been revoked, canceled, or not issued to you.
Theft/Fraud Theft completed as a computer transaction to include online auctions.
Harassment Intent to Annoy, alarm, torments or embarrass by email or in a chat room.
Child Enticement Enticing a child from the custody of the parent or guardian over the internet.
Assisting other Sections Working with other sections and Agencies to collect computer evidence and writing Subpoenas to request information from Internet Service Providers.
IFCC Complaints
Many of the cases investigated come from the Internet Fraud Complaint Center. The IFCC is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). The IFCC's provides a reporting system to alert law enforcement agencies of suspected criminal violations.
All complaints that are within the jurisdiction of the Waco Police Department are sent to the Computer Crimes Unit by the IFCC. http://www1.ifccfbi.gov/index.asp
Tips to protect yourself from ID Theft
Here are some tips to help you protect your Identity from Theft.
- Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact and know whom you are dealing with.
- Minimize the identification information and the number of cards you carry to what you actually need.
- Pay attention to your billing cycles. A missing bill could mean an identity thief.
- Don't carry your SSN card. Give your SSN only when absolutely necessary.
- Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit-reporting agencies every year.
Tips to protect your children
Protecting your children on the Internet is a responsibility that must be taken seriously. Set up good boundaries and guidelines they must follow in using the computer.
- BE AWARE and become more computer literate. Your child
may know more about the computer than you do. Let them teach you,
and take advantage of this golden opportunity to communicate with
them in a new way.
- BE SPECIFIC. Define "inappropriate material" for your children
so there will be no mistake about what it is. Rude or offensive
e-mail, messages, or postings should be reported to you immediately.
- BE THERE when your child is online. Never place the computer
in your child's room. Put it in the kitchen or den where you are
seen frequently, preferably with the screen visible from a doorway
or an outside window. Allowing children to use the Internet unattended,
particularly talking in chat rooms is the equivalent of dropping
them off in Central Park and saying, "Go make some new friends."
- BE CONSISTENT. Set limits for your child. Decide together
the amount of time they will spend on the computer and what time
of day. Never allow them to be "online" late at night, especially
after you have gone to bed.
- BE VIGILANT!!! INSTRUCT YOUR CHILD TO NEVER TELL ANYONE WHERE
THEY WILL BE OR WHAT THEY WILL BE DOING AND NEVER TO MEET SOMEONE
FROM ONLINE WITHOUT YOU PRESENT.
- BE ALERT. Look for changes in your child's behavior. Mention
of adults you don't know, secretiveness, inappropriate sexual knowledge,
sleeping problems, etc. may indicate a problem.
Mailing Address:
729 Washington
Ave.
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 750-7500
Fax: (254) 750-3616
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