The Worst Forms of Cybercrimes and Their Punishments in South Carolina

According to a Federal Bureau of Investigation report, Internet-related crimes cost South Carolina more than $100 million in 2022.

The report further revealed that cyber-related crimes in South Carolina increased from 5,426 in 2021 to 7,861 in 2022.

Many residents of South Carolina claimed they experienced personal data breaches, extortions, and false tech support calls. Understanding how severe cybercrimes are in South Carolina, including their corresponding punishments, can help you stay proactive. This piece breaks down these crimes and their punishments to help you safeguard both your organizational and personal interests.

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1. Identity Theft

Identity theft is unwarranted in South Carolina. According to a cyber crime attorney in Greenville, South Carolina, Code of Laws §16-13-10 criminalizes identity theft. You can be charged if you steal another person's information to commit crimes. Identity theft is very pervasive. It involves obtaining and using another person's details to commit fraud.

This information could vary from a name, social security number, and banking information to a person's credit card data.

Likewise, any actions, including counterfeit writing or willingness to assist in forgery and identity theft, have serious consequences. These punishments vary based on the crime's severity and the case's circumstances. As a first-time offender, you'll be charged with a felony punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment. Sometimes, it could also involve hefty fines.

But, if you're a subsequent offender, the penalties are more severe. You can end up with 20 years of imprisonment. The court also has the discretion to fine you as it decides. In some instances, the court may require you to pay restitution to the victim of your identity theft if they incur any financial losses from the theft.

2. Cyberbullying and Harassment

The digital world is experiencing a proliferation of digital communication avenues and social media channels. Amidst this development, online harassment and cyberbullying have sharpened their claws. Legal practitioners define cyberbullying and online harassment as involving the use of electronic communication to harm, threaten, or intimidate others. It can be as simple as:

Spreading false information online
Posting explicit photos without permission
Sending intimidating emails
Faking websites or profiles and using them to defame or impersonate others

South Carolina classifies online harassment and cyberbullying as illegal. They amount to criminal offenses with severe legal consequences. Different statutes of South Carolina's laws shed light on this offense. More important is the South Carolina Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying Prevention Act (S.C. Code § 59-63-110 to §59-63-150).

This act regards intimidation, harassment, or bullying as 'a gesture, an electronic communication, or a written, verbal, physical, or sexual act that is reasonably perceived to have the effect of either of the following: (a) harming a student physically or emotionally or damaging a student's property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of personal harm or property damage; or (b) insulting or demeaning a student or group of students causing substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school.'

As a perpetrator of cyberbullying and online harassment, you could face civil liability. You could also face criminal charges involving penalties and expulsion from school based on the severity of your crime.

3. Hacking

Hacking involves accessing computer systems without permission or authority with the intention of malice. This malice often results in offenders stealing sensitive data, causing other damage to the systems, or even installing malware. South Carolina classifies such acts as criminal, and offenders are sometimes liable for hefty fines and imprisonment.

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Final Thoughts

Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Therefore, you should stay vigilant as an individual or entity. Create cybersecurity awareness. Adopt proactive strategies to prevent risks. Only by staying aggressive and attentive can you contribute to creating a more secure digital space.