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Question Details: If a computer user reports on online account thefts and deletion of email correspondence by hackers that seriously impairs his/her ability to pursue a fulfilling life, which department should be approached for a report to be lodged and which department/personnel will be commissioned to carry out the investigations?
Filed under Criminal Law | 1231 View(s)
Community Law Wellington & Hutt Valley
There are a number of Government departments or agencies which can be approached to investigate electronic-crimes.
The police have a specific team dedicated to investigating electronic crimes, including complaints about hackers accessing and using personal information. For more information see the police E-crime lab website: www.police.govt.nz.
Depending on the circumstances, complaints may also be made with another Government department or agency, such as the Department of Internal Affairs, which investigates complaints concerning identity theft or the use of spam email, or the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, which deals with complaints involving electronic consumer scams or computer virus scams.
In addition, if you feel that there is a real threat that your privacy is being infringed by the activities of the hacker then you can lay a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner, who can investigate on your behalf (privacy.org.nz).
However we suggest that before you contact a Government department or agency, you contact the police first, and they will provide advice on whether contact with another department or agency is necessary, and if so, which one to contact. Find your local Police contact details here: www.police.govt.nz.
Answered 28 Jan 2013. The IMPORTANT NOTICE below is part of this answer.
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