Anonymity is simultaneously the Internet's greatest blessing and biggest curse. Unfortunately, the ability to mask one's true identity can sometimes lead people to conduct themselves in a way they otherwise would not. Many mistakenly believe that they can commit Internet-based crimes without getting caught.

This is not the case. Internet-based offenses are taken seriously and often carry strict punishments. Many even rise to the level of federal crimes.

According to the Internet-security firm Symantec, Boston ranks in the top five cities in the United States when it comes to risk factors for cybercrime. It pointed to the city's relatively high rate of online financial transactions, as well as prevalent use of smartphones, social networking sites and unsecured wireless hotspots.

Types of Cybercrime

There are many different criminal offenses that fall under the umbrella of "cybercrime."

Some crimes involve intrusion into computer systems - commonly referred to as "hacking" - for the purposes of retrieving credit card numbers, passwords or other forms of sensitive information.

Others involve fraudulent commercial transactions. In some cases, buyers send money to a purported seller but do not get the promised product in return. In other cases, buyers have their credit card numbers stolen or are induced to participate in costly fraudulent investment schemes.

There are also non-financial cybercrimes. For example, many Massachusetts residents are charged with internet-based offenses after being caught trading child pornography online.

Cybercrimes generally present evidentiary issues that are much more complex than those found in non-Internet-based offenses. As such, if you have been arrested on suspicion of committing an Internet crime, it is important to enlist the help of an experienced and highly qualified criminal defense attorney who knows how to challenge the government's case.

Source: Redmond Mag, "Washington, D.C. Tops List of Top Cyber Crime Cities," Kevin McCaney, Feb. 17, 2012.