Pennsylvania Sixth in Nation for Internet Crime

Many people use the Internet to access information, stay connected with family and friends, and for other legitimate purposes. However, online hackers, as well as those who use the Internet for other unlawful means, do exist. Whether stealing the personal information of others or engaging in other prohibited online activities, these crimes are dealt with severely in the Commonwealth.

If you are facing a criminal charge related to your activity over the Internet, you may be concerned about the possible consequences in front of you. Our Internet crimes attorneys at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC can fight to reduce or possibly eliminate your charges depending on the circumstances of your case.

Call us today at (412) 281-2146 or contact us through our online form to set up a free legal consultation.

Internet Crime Categories

Technology is ever moving forward, increasing the challenges for law enforcement to define and capture all of the various crimes that can be committed with a computer and online connection.

Although Pennsylvania ranks high in verifiable occurrences of Internet crime activity, the Commonwealth, through its Title 18 legal statutes, places these crimes in a structured series of categories for the purposes of law enforcement investigative and prosecutorial activities. The categories and what they entail include, but are not limited to:

Unlawful Use of Computers and Email (Hacking) – Third Degree Felony

• Destroying anything associated with a computer in an intentional manner and without permission
• Publishing any confidential information about any devices connected with or related to a computer with intentionality and knowledge
• Gaining access to, or surpassing the allowable use of, a computer, computer program, computer network, computer system, website, database, or any other element associated with computers with the intentional purpose of defrauding an individual or disrupting their normal function

Computer Theft – Third Degree Felony

• Unlawfully gaining access to or surpassing the permissible level of access to data on a computer, computer network, or computer system
• Duplicating data on any computer system for the purpose of stealing that data from the rightful owner

Computer Trespass – Third Degree Felony

Knowingly and without permission using a computer or computer network to:

• Delete or modify any data
• Cause a computer malfunction
• Change an electronic funds transfer or financial instrument
• Damage the property of another person

Online Child Pornography – Third Degree Felony (first offense)

• Knowingly possessing or intentionally viewing any depiction/portrayal of a minor (under 18 years old) engaging in a sexual act

Online Harassment – Third Degree Misdemeanor

• Performing any conduct with the intention to annoy or harass any person through Internet or electronic mail communications

Online Stalking – First Degree Misdemeanor (first offense)

• Online stalking can be communicating with another person repeatedly through the Internet or electronic mail with the intention to cause that person emotional distress or a reasonable fear of physical injury

Recent Statistics

Here is an updated version of those statistics reflecting the latest data (for 2024, as published in early 2025) from the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):

• In 2024, the IC3 received 859,532 complaints of suspected internet crime.

• Losses reported in those complaints exceeded US $16.6 billion, a ~33% increase over the prior year.

• Among those complaints, there were 256,256 complaints that involved actual documented monetary losses.

• This yields an average reported loss per “loss‐involving” complaint of about US $19,372.

• The most commonly reported crime types by complaint count were phishing/spoofing, extortion, and personal data breaches.

• The highest dollar loss category was investment fraud, particularly involving cryptocurrency, which alone accounted for over US $6.5 billion of the total.

• Victims aged 60 and older collectively suffered the greatest losses—nearly US $4.8 billion in 2024.

Contact an Experienced Internet Crimes Attorney

Due to the fact that computer and internet crimes can cause a significant negative financial impact on personal users and business owners, these offenses are dealt with harshly by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If you are currently charged with an internet crime, you need intelligent and experienced legal representation to defend your rights and fight for your freedom.

Call Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC today at (412) 281-2146 for a free case evaluation.