Dark Web: A Breeding Ground for ID Theft and Financial Crimes

Author: Szakonyi, Annamaria; Leonard, Brian & Dawson, Maurice

Abstract: The explosion of the internet has given rise to cybercrimes, online identity theft, and fraud. With the internet, these crimes are able to occur anywhere in the world and limitless to whatever selected target. The anonymity of the internet allows criminal activity to flourish, and the number of unsuspecting victims is growing. From script kiddies to nation-states, this new method of internet-enabled crimes has strained governments. This chapter provides insight into how crimes related to online identity theft and fraud are carried out. Examined within this chapter are the evolution of cybercrime, history of identity theft, applications for internet anonymity, and discussion on effects caused by romance scams and data breaches. Finally, recommendations are provided on what organizations and individuals can do to protect themselves against these vicious crimes.

Keywords: internet, dark web, cybercrime, identity theft, fraud