Internet Unit

The Internet unfortunately has proven to be a fertile hunting ground for many criminals who prey on both adults and children seeking sexual gratification or financial gain. In an attempt to combat these pedophiles, child pornographers, credit card fraudsters and con artists, Macomb County Prosecutor, Eric Smith designed and created the Cyber Crimes Unit. The mission of the Cyber Crimes Unit is to provide a safe electronic environment for the communication of information and ideas, and for the transaction of commerce. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to protecting the Internet for children, families, and all citizens, as a safe place to learn, communicate, and shop. The Cyber Crimes Unit works closely with Macomb Area Computer Enforcement (MACE), a unit of the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department, along with other law enforcement agencies that have expertise in investigating and prosecuting high-tech computer related crimes, including but not limited to: Sex Predator Cases: predatory pedophiles who use the Internet to develop relationships with children with the purpose of luring them to a meeting. Child Pornography Cases: pedophiles and/or entrepreneurs, who use the Internet and/or computer to possess, make and/or distribute child pornography. Cyber Stalking Cases: individuals who post messages through the Internet, email, or any other electronic medium intending to terrorize, frighten, intimidate, threaten, or harass another person. Identity Theft Cases: con artists who utilize the Internet to obtain people’s personal information with the intent to use that information unlawfully. If you believe you are a victim of a cyber crime or have any information involving any type of cyber crime activity, please contact your local law enforcement agency or the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department at phone number, (586) 469-5151.

Identity Theft Unit

The 1990’s spawned a new variety of crooks called identity thieves. They feed off your everyday transactions, which usually reveal bits of your personal information: your bank and credit card numbers; your income; your social security number; or your name address, and phone numbers. An identity thief captures some piece of your sensitive information and uses it without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft. Prosecutor Eric Smith recognizes the seriousness of this crime and sympathizes with the victims of identity theft who spend months or years- and their hard earned money-cleaning up the mess the thieves have made of the victim’s good name and credit record. Many of these types of crimes involve lengthy paper trails and numerous pieces of evidence, which require detailed attention. Thus, to prosecute these complex crimes, Prosecutor Smith has implemented the Identity Theft Unit. The Unit’s Mission is to provide a quick and efficient prosecution of identity theft defendants, which holds defendant’s accountable for their actions and allows victims an easier time in restoring their credit. If you believe you are a victim of identity theft or have any information involving an identity theft crime, please contact your local law enforcement agency or the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department at phone number, (586) 469-5151.

Facts About Identity Theft

• Every year, nearly 7 million people across the nation become victims of identity theft.
• Identity theft in Michigan is greater than the national average for credit card, telephone, cell phone and utility fraud.
• Most victims of identity theft in Michigan are more than 40 years old.
• Identity theft victims can be living or deceased.
• Many identity theft victims fail to notify the proper authorities and fail to file formal complaints.
• The average identity theft victim spends about 175 hours of time and $1,400 to restore credit.