The author’s commitment to helping victims of online crime grew out of her first-hand experience as a victim of cyberstalking. Ray Everett-Church, a senior privacy strategist at ePrivacy Group, said, “The vast majority of authors have an expertise and interest sufficient to inspire them to take on the task of writing a book. For [this author], it is something much deeper … this book is evidence of her passionate commitment to make sure that others are not forced to live through the nightmares.”

In the years since her personal ordeal began, Hitchcock—who won a legal decision against the perpetrators in her case—has become a nationally recognized Internet crime and security expert. She has helped pass laws related to online harassment in several states including Maryland, Minnesota, Michigan, Maine, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. As president of Working to Halt Online Abuse (WHOA, at www.haltabuse.org) she teaches law enforcement personnel

worldwide how to track down cybercriminals and work with victims. She also consults on cybercrime cases for the U.S. Department of Justice, the National Center for Victims of Crime, and police departments worldwide. A sought-after speaker and writer, she is frequently quoted in media coverage of cybercrime and security issues.

Hitchcock wrote Net Crimes & Misdemeanors (Information Today, Inc., 2002) to help individuals and business users of the Web protect themselves, their children, and their employees against online cheats and predators. She details a broad range of abusive practices, shares victims’ stories (including her own), and offers advice on how to handle privacy invasion, financial scams, cyberstalking, and identity theft. She provides tips and techniques that can be put into immediate use and points to the laws, organizations, and Web resources that can aid victims and help them fight back.

Vinton Cerf, often referred to as “the father of the Internet,” said the book is “filled with real-world examples, hard advice, and Web pointers—an eye-opener for those who think the Internet is only a virtual world.”

Visit Lifetime TV’s Web site to learn more about Hitchcock’s accomplishments and the champion for change award at www.lifetimetv.com/community/olc/champs/profiles_index.html.

Net Crimes & Misdemeanors: Outmaneuvering the Spammers, Swindlers, and Stalkers Who Are Targeting You Online (256 pp/trade paper/ISBN 0-910965-57-9/$24.95) is a CyberAge Book from Information Today, Inc. It is available in better bookstores everywhere through Chicago-based trade distributor Independent Publishers Group (IPG) or by calling the publisher at (800) 300-9868 [outside the U.S. call (609) 654-6266]; faxing your order to (609) 654-4309; e-mailing custserv@infotoday.com; or logging on to the ITI Web site at www.infotoday.com.