What is internet fraud?
Internet fraud is a type of consumer fraud that occurs when internet users are misled or deceived into providing money, personal information, or products and services online. In Washington, internet fraud is classified as a type of consumer law violation, meaning that the Washington State Attorney General can take action to protect consumers from becoming victims of this type of fraud. Internet fraud can include activities such as phishing, which is when someone sends out emails that appear to be from a reputable company in order to get a person’s personal information. It can also include activities such as identity theft, where someone uses another person’s personal information in order to purchase products or services on their behalf, or identity cloaking, where someone hides their identity in order to commit fraud. In Washington, it is illegal for any person or business to knowingly commit internet fraud or attempt to commit it against another person or business. If a person is found guilty of internet fraud, they may face criminal charges and be subject to civil liability for any damages caused to the victim. The Washington State Attorney General can provide protection to consumers by suing any person or business that committed internet fraud, or attempt to commit it, against a consumer. The Attorney General can also provide advice and assistance to consumers in order to protect them from becoming victims of internet fraud.
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