COMPUTER CRIME: FORMS AND IMPACT OF VICTIMIZATION

Abstract

Computer crimes are illegal acts committed using computers or electronic devices connected to a network. This research was conducted using a qualitative methodology with two main objectives: (1) to study the forms of computer crime that have occurred in Thai society and (2) to examine the impact of being a victim of computer crime. The key informants for this research were 15 police officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Royal Thai Police who had experienced computer crime themselves. The research tool used was a semi-structured interview. Data were validated through triangulation and analyzed using content analysis. The research findings revealed that the main forms of computer crime in Thai society included email fraud, online sales scams, romance scams, investment fraud, phone scams by call center gangs, and pyramid schemes. The impacts of being a victim of computer crime can be summarized into two main areas: psychological effects and social effects. Urgent guidelines for preventing and addressing computer crime include strengthening the protection of citizens' data by relevant agencies, clearly defining laws and penalties, and enhancing the authority of government officials to monitor and control violations of data security. Additionally, raising awareness and understanding of computer crime across all dimensions and promoting the use of technology with robust security measures are essential steps for the public.