California State University, Long Beach
Reach Higher: College of Continuing and Professional Education
 

Internet Crime and Identity Theft
Certificate Program

This specialized certificate program provides an overview of computer and Internet crime. With the rise of criminal activity on the Internet--identity theft, the proliferation of child exploitation, and the vast amount of data traveling over the Internet, personal information must be protected and secured. Law enforcement, legal professionals and consumers must acquire the skills and tools to protect the public, clients, and family from harm and misuse of data.

Who Should Attend?

  • Current Criminal Justice students
  • Private Investigators
  • Attorneys, Paralegals
  • Law-Enforcement Personnel
  • Private citizens with an interest in identity theft protection

You Will Learn:

  • Overview of computer and Internet crime
  • How to protect yourself from identity theft
  • Introduction to forensic software
  • Legal issues in computer and Internet crime

How Do I Complete the Certificate?

  • Complete all four modules.

3.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be provided upon request as a permanent record of one's attendance, if requested by the last class meeting.

Instructors:
John Wang, PhD, Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, CSULB.
Robert Molko, Retired Deputy District Attorney, Orange County, CA.
Damon Tucker, Investigator, Orange County, CA District Attorney's Office.
Joe Monroe, MPA, Computer Crime Detective, Specialized Investigations Unit, Irvine Police Department.

Internet-Based Crime: An Overview

This module will provide an overview of Hi-tech Crime with an emphasis on the following fraud crimes using digital and/or electronic technology: counterfeiting, fraud of credit and ATM cards, driver's license fraud, counterfeit social security cards, and fraudulent use of personal and company checks. A hands-on examination of genuine counterfeited items will be conducted. Students will also learn how to operate basic detection devices, such as magnifying glasses, stereo and zooming microscopes, ultraviolet and infrared lights, and comparative viewers.

Topics Include:

  • Definitions of crimes falling in this category
  • Penal code sections
  • Case examples will be presented for analysis and discussion

Identity Theft: Internet Crime & Credit Card Fraud

In this module, you will learn how crimes are committed using the Internet to steal the identity of others and exploit children. Demonstrations and experiments in washing checks will be conducted.

Topics Include:

  • How sex offenders utilize the Internet to obtain child pornography
  • How criminals steal the identity of others to commit fraud

Internet Child Exploitation & Pornography: Data Recovery & Computer Forensics

This module will cover the basic workings of computers and associated magnetic media. You will examine several applications that allow an investigator to acquire and analyze the data from the source media. The focus of this course will be on Windows-based programs; other software programs will be presented.

Topics Include:

  • How to examine magnetic media using forensic software
  • Analysis of the documentation and reporting of the findings

Legal Issues in Internet-Based Crime

This module will address relevant legal issues surrounding Hi-tech Crime. Federal Privacy Laws will also be covered including practical problems.

Topics Include:

  • Fourth Amendment issues
  • Reasonable expectation of privacy (REP) test
  • Search warrant requirements and probable cause issues

Additional Information