Being accused of internet phishing can feel overwhelming. Phishing occurs when someone tricks others into revealing personal information—such as passwords or banking details—through fake emails, websites, or text messages. Law enforcement treats these cases seriously, often involving state and federal agencies.
Knowing how these investigations work can help you better understand what lies ahead if you or someone you love is facing phishing-related charges. It’s also essential to have a defense attorney who knows the law and the weight of what you’re going through. Keep reading to learn more about phishing cases and why getting the proper legal support early can make a difference.
If you’ve been accused of internet phishing, do not wait. Contact us through our online contact form or call (541) 933-5972 today.
How Internet Phishing Investigations Begin
Most phishing investigations start when a victim reports suspicious activity to law enforcement or their bank. Large organizations, such as financial institutions, sometimes notify authorities after identifying a phishing scheme targeting their customers. Agencies like the FBI, Secret Service, and local police often work together, sharing resources and expertise. According to Pew Research, phishing scams continue to be one of the most common online crimes, which means law enforcement has made them a priority.
The Role of Digital Evidence
In phishing cases, digital proof plays a central role. This evidence can include email records, website hosting logs, and IP addresses linked to suspicious activity. Investigators may track online movements, monitor devices, and use forensic tools to uncover evidence. The cybercrimes investigation process often involves tracing connections across multiple servers and even international borders. While this may sound technical, what it means for you is that prosecutors may rely heavily on digital records to build their case. Unfortunately, this evidence is not always straightforward and may require context or expert interpretation.
State vs. Federal Involvement
Phishing charges can fall under both Oregon state law and federal law, depending on the scale of the alleged activity. Federal agencies are more likely to take over the case if a phishing scheme targeted individuals across multiple states or involved significant financial losses. You can read more about how these charges can escalate in our blog on federal internet crimes.
No matter the level, these cases are complex, and the penalties can be severe—ranging from heavy fines to prison time. That’s why it is essential to understand the potential consequences before speaking with investigators.
Challenges in Defending Against Phishing Accusations
If you are accused of internet phishing, it’s easy to feel the evidence is stacked against you. But digital evidence can sometimes be misleading. For example, multiple people may access the same device, or someone can use a compromised computer without the owner’s knowledge. Investigators may also misinterpret online data. A strong defense matters most in these instances.
At The Law Office of Justin Rosas, we focus on exposing weaknesses in the government’s case, questioning how evidence was collected, and ensuring your rights are protected. To learn more about how we approach cases, visit our internet crimes defense page.
Compassionate Defense for Internet Phishing Charges
Once authorities begin an investigation, they often collect large amounts of information before filing charges. By the time you become aware of the investigation, they may have laid the prosecution groundwork. Having a defense attorney at your side early ensures your perspective is heard. Building a defense requires legal knowledge and a clear understanding of how digital investigations operate.
If you are facing internet phishing charges, The Law Office of Justin Rosas is here to stand with you. Whether this is your first criminal conviction or a repeat offense, our team can walk you through the legal process. Offenses such as identity theft, internet fraud, and internet harassment are on the rise and are showing trends of continuing to increase. Our office aims to ensure you are informed every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has been accused, reach out today through our online contact form or call (541) 933-5972.