Internet Fraud and Cyber Crime Lawyers
Our Internet Fraud Lawyers and Cyber Crime Solicitors offer expert legal advice for any individuals accused of committing internet fraud or another crime online.
Technology is advancing at an astounding pace, and the law surrounding cyber crime is also evolving rapidly. Specialist knowledge and skills are required to effectively defend accusations of cybercrime.
Cases involving cyber crimes often require a tech-savvy defence to prove that it was not you who set up a website, sent an email, or carried out an online transaction.
If you or someone you know is facing internet fraud or cybercrime accusations, contact our specialist team on +44 (0)161 228 2244 for immediate assistance. Alternatively, fill out our contact form to arrange for one of our solicitors to get in touch as soon as possible.
How our Cyber Crime Solicitors can Help?
Cyber crime offences are immediately made complex by the nature of the technology involved.
A lack of understanding around technology makes being accused of a cyber crime particularly worrying. The whole case is immediately made more complex with the introduction of technology, and this only serves to add to what is already a stressful time for anyone.
Our serious crime solicitors have worked on a wide variety of cyber crime cases. We know exactly what is required to help you and give everyone involved a complete understanding of the pertinent facts in the case.
Our team is available 24/7 to provide you with specialist guidance and support including:
- Representing you at the police station
- Ensuring your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly throughout the process
- Advising you on your plea
- Applying for any bail and ensuring the impact of any conditions is minimised
- Ensuring you are fully prepared for your trial
- Providing expert representation in court
- Helping you protect your reputation
- Advising and assisting you on the appeals process, if necessary.
We understand how stressful the process of being accused of a serious crime can be. Our skilled, experienced legal team will work tirelessly to ensure you and your family are treated with empathy and respect at all times.
Dedicated expertise for defending all types of Cyber Fraud Offences.
Our Internet & Cyber Fraud Defence Solicitors
Credit Card Fraud on the Internet
There are many forms of online fraud, but here we specifically mean those cases of internet fraud that relate to credit card fraud - for example, obtaining individuals' credit card details by online deception and then using them to make payments, buy goods and transfer money.
Online credit card fraud itself can take many forms. For example, different fraudsters involved in different incidences of internet fraud might:
- Use stolen cards for online transactions, including ordering goods online and transferring money or requesting a cash advance on the card.
- Buy and sell databases of stolen credit card details via websites on the 'dark web' which can then be used to create counterfeit cards.
- Set up websites and send out emails to commit 'phishing' attacks, in an attempt to gain enough details from an individual to clone their card.
Clearly internet fraud can overlap with cases of real-world credit card fraud too, but some acts - such as sending out phishing emails or setting up fake websites to collect people's card details - can only be committed online.
At Draycott Browne we have over 20 years' experience in defending all kinds of credit card fraud allegations on behalf of our clients. Accusations of online credit card fraud in particular need up-to-date expertise in order to mount a successful defence.
By continually updating our practices and procedures and keeping abreast of developments in internet credit card fraud in Manchester and across the north-west, we make sure we have the necessary know how to build your defence.
What is The Computer Misuse Act 1990?
While the popularity and relevance of computer crime has risen dramatically in the last decade, the legislation that defines many of the offences dates back to 1990. The Computer Misuse Act 1990 (CMA) outlines a number of criminal acts relating to the improper use of computers, and it is common for these cases to be overseen by more than one authority. The coronavirus pandemic has brought cybercrime to the forefront of many awareness campaigns, and being aware of the legislation is as vital as ever.
The offences defined in the CMA can be divided in:
- Section 1 - unauthorised access to computer material. It is a criminal offence to use a computer to access any material without proper authorisation. It is necessary that the offender had knowledge of the lack of authorisation, and this act carries a sentence of up to 2 years’ imprisonment.
- Section 2 - unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate further offences. This definition adds to a Section 1 offence by proving the intent of the offender to facilitate a further, serious offence, such as accessing material with the intent to blackmail an individual or organisation. Section 2 offences carry a penalty of up to 5 years’ imprisonment.
- Section 3 - unauthorised acts with intent to impair, or with recklessness as to impairing, operation of a computer. It is a criminal offence to impair the operation or hinder access to any computer - or data or program in a computer, or facilitate any such acts for a third party. Relevant Section 3 cases involve DDoS attacks, and can involve imprisonment up to 10 years.
- Section 3ZA - unauthorised acts causing, or creating risk of, serious damage. This can be aggravated if serious danger to human life or national security exists. Normally, Section 3ZA offences carry up to a 14 years’ imprisonment sentence, but a life sentence can be imposed for particularly serious cases.
- Section 3A - Making, supplying, or obtaining articles for use in offence under Section 1, 3, or 3ZA. While the CMA does not define such articles, other pieces of legislation have described the term as anything that contains data or a program in electronic form.
Further parts of the legislation define liability for the crime, requiring proof of significant links to a home country of the victim or the accused. Geographical location of offender, victim, or server used as part of a criminal offence will usually qualify as a significant link.
Specialist Cyber Fraud Offence Solicitors
- 24/7 Availability
- Proven Success in High Profile Cases
- Non-Judgemental Representation Tailored to Your Situation
Protect your future with trusted, expert legal defence—contact Draycott Browne’s Cyber Crime Offence Solicitors today.
24 Hour Availability
It is not always possible to predict an arrest, which is why our legal advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At Draycott Browne we have a team of professionals ready to assist you whenever you need us. We will represent you at the police station and thereafter to make sure you and your case are treated fairly and appropriately.
Legal Aid
Unexpected legal fees can come as a nasty and expensive surprise. To assist you with the financial cost of defending your name, we can help you apply for legal aid to enable you to focus on what really matters. Our solicitors at Draycott Browne can guide you through the application process so that you have the best chance of receiving the financial assistance you need.
Your Cyber Fraud Questions Answered
Cyber crime refers to criminal offences that are committed using digital technology, such as computers, mobile phones or the internet. This is a fast-developing area of criminal law as the use of online platforms becomes more embedded in everyday life. Cyber crimes can range from highly technical attacks to more common forms of internet-based offending.
Although offences which fall under this category are very diverse, there are two main groups:
Computer as the target
These offences involve direct attacks on computer systems or networks. They often require advanced technical skills and may include:
- Hacking and unauthorised access to computer systems
- The use of malware, including viruses, spyware or ransomware
- Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks designed to crash websites or networks
Computer as the tool
Here, the internet or digital devices are used to carry out more traditional offences. These are commonly referred to as cyber-enabled crimes and include:
- Online fraud and identity theft
- Phishing emails and online scams
- Online harassment, stalking or cyberbullying
- Sexual grooming via social media or messaging apps
- Sharing or downloading indecent images
- Threats, blackmail or abusive behaviour on social media
Cyber crime investigations are often handled by specialist police units or national enforcement agencies and may involve complex digital evidence or activity across international borders. If you are facing allegations, early legal advice is essential. At Draycott Browne, our expert Cyber Crime Solicitors provide strategic defence in even the most serious and technically challenging cases.
Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, are a relatively new feature in the digital landscape. While they offer innovation and convenience, their anonymous or pseudonymous nature also makes them attractive for criminal use. As a result, cryptocurrency-related offences are becoming increasingly common within cyber crime investigations.
These digital currencies are frequently linked to allegations of fraud, money laundering, ransomware attacks and tax evasion. Because they are not tied to traditional financial institutions or real-world identities, tracing transactions and proving ownership can be complex. This makes defending such allegations especially challenging and highly technical in nature.
In response to the growing risks, the UK Government launched the Cryptoassets Taskforce in 2018 to assess and regulate the potential impact of digital currencies on institutions such as HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority.
At Draycott Browne, we specialise in Crypto Fraud Defence and offer expert legal support to individuals and businesses facing allegations involving cryptocurrencies. If you are under investigation for any offence involving digital assets, contact our experienced Cyber Crime Solicitors without delay.
Cyber theft refers to the act of stealing personal, financial or confidential information through digital means. It can involve the unauthorised access of data, the interception of sensitive communications, or the theft of online assets such as passwords, bank details or even cryptocurrency.
Common examples of cyber theft include:
- Identity theft using stolen personal data
- Financial theft through phishing or online scams
- Hacking into bank accounts or business systems
- Theft of intellectual property or confidential business information
These offences are often prosecuted under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and the Fraud Act 2006, depending on the nature and extent of the crime. Because many cyber theft cases involve cross-border activity and advanced digital techniques, they are typically investigated by specialist police units or national cyber crime agencies.
If you are being investigated or have been arrested in connection with cyber theft, it is essential to seek immediate legal advice. At Draycott Browne, our expert Cyber Fraud Solicitors provide strategic defence for clients facing serious digital and financial crime allegations across England and Wales.
Internet fraud is a criminal offence that involves using the internet to deceive or mislead individuals or businesses for financial gain. These offences typically involve false representations made through digital platforms, emails, websites or social media.
Common types of internet fraud include:
- Phishing scams to steal personal or banking information
- Online investment or cryptocurrency fraud
- Romance fraud and dating scams
- Auction and online marketplace fraud
- Business email compromise and invoice fraud
Because internet fraud often crosses regional and national borders, investigations may involve multiple enforcement agencies and complex digital evidence. Offences are usually prosecuted under the Fraud Act 2006, and in some cases, under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.
If you are facing allegations of online fraud, early legal advice is critical. At Draycott Browne, our specialist Internet Fraud Lawyers offer expert guidance and robust defence strategies in even the most serious and high-value cases.
The defence to any internet-related offence will depend on the specific nature of the allegation, the evidence presented, and how the crime is defined under UK law. However, there are several potential legal defences that may apply to cyber crime or online fraud charges.
These may include:
- Lack of intent – demonstrating that there was no intention to commit a criminal act, which is essential in offences under the Fraud Act 2006.
- Mistaken identity – where digital evidence, such as IP addresses or device logs, is inconclusive or points to the wrong individual.
- Unauthorised access by third parties – arguing that your device or online accounts were compromised or used without your knowledge or permission.
- Lack of knowledge – particularly relevant in cases involving malware or unauthorised downloads, where the accused may not have been aware of the content or software.
- Insufficient or unlawfully obtained evidence – challenging the legality or reliability of digital evidence, especially if it was gathered without proper authority.
Some internet-related offences are highly technical and require careful analysis of forensic computer evidence, device usage history, and digital communication records. Engaging experienced Computer Crime Solicitors at an early stage is vital to ensuring that every available defence is explored and that your rights are protected throughout the investigation.
At Draycott Browne, we have a strong track record of defending clients accused of serious cyber offences. Our team will work closely with forensic experts where needed and build a strategic defence tailored to the circumstances of your case.
Cyber fraud is a form of digital deception committed online, typically with the goal of stealing money, personal data or confidential information. These offences are often prosecuted under the Fraud Act 2006, which criminalises dishonest conduct such as false representation or failing to disclose information for personal gain.
Cyber fraud can take many forms, including:
- Phishing emails – fake messages that appear to be from legitimate organisations (such as banks or HMRC) designed to trick individuals into revealing personal or financial details
- Online banking fraud – unauthorised access to accounts through stolen login details or hacked credentials
- Cryptocurrency scams – deceptive schemes involving fake investments, digital wallets, or crypto trading platforms
- Romance fraud – building fake online relationships to emotionally manipulate victims into transferring money
- Business email compromise – impersonating company directors, suppliers or employees to divert invoice payments
- Online marketplace scams – accepting payment for goods or services that are never delivered
- Identity theft – using stolen personal information to open bank accounts, apply for loans or commit other fraudulent acts
Many of these offences are sophisticated and may involve multiple suspects, cross-border transactions and digital forensic evidence. Investigations are often led by specialist cyber crime units and may take months to complete.
If you are under investigation or facing allegations of cyber fraud, it is vital to seek early legal representation. At Draycott Browne, our experienced Cyber Fraud Lawyers provide expert advice and robust defence strategies tailored to complex digital crime cases.
Related Areas
Contact our Cyber Crime Solicitors
If you or someone you know is facing charges related to computer or Internet crime, it is essential that you engage the expertise of professional criminal defence lawyers who will be able to help and advise you on a defence strategy as soon as possible. Contact us today by calling +44 (0)161 228 2244. If you would like us to contact you, simply fill in our online enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch as soon as possible.
We are highly regarded nationally across the legal profession and noted for consistently delivering positive results for our clients. Our expert Cyber Crime Solicitors regularly act for clients in Manchester, Preston, Blackpool, Liverpool, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, and London. As a recognised criminal defence law firm we can represent you wherever you live in England and Wales.
By entrusting us, you can be assured that you will be working with a team of highly skilled and experienced Serious Crime Solicitors who have a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of this area of law.
Our legal team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need expert legal advice or representation, call us in confidence now. When you are facing the stiffest challenges, you cannot afford to settle for anything less than Draycott Browne.