According to the Federal Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, one in seven children between the ages of ten and 17 have been sexually solicited online. Additionally, Florida ranks fourth in the nation in the volume of child pornography. Internet predators are a serious threat to the safety of our citizens, particularly our youth. We must do everything possible to protect our children from these predators.
Computer-facilitated crimes are not limited to child pornography or sexual solicitation. In 2007, Florida ranked fifth in the nation for identity theft with more than 19,000 victims. Today's tech-savvy criminals are using the internet and other computer resources to gain access to Floridians' most private information.
With an ever growing population of senior citizens in our state, extra caution must be taken to protect these Floridians who fall victim to many types of exploitation including internet-based fraud. We must remain vigilant in protecting our seniors and providing them with useful information so they are better able to protect themselves.
Whether we are protecting our children from internet predators, shielding individuals from identity theft or keeping our senior citizens safe from those who target them for fraud, your Attorney General's Office will remain diligent in our fight against cybercrime.
Visit www.safeflorida.net for more information.
