If you saw or even suspected cyber fraud, would you know who to call to report it? Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick admits he wouldn't.

Computer hacker
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That's why Bramnick (R-Westfield) said he plans to introduce legislation to require the state to establish and promote a telephone hotline, dedicated solely for residents to report possible cyber fraud.

"There should be one-stop shopping for cyberspace fraud," Bramnick said. "I say cyberspace includes text messaging, Internet and email. We need one phone number, and we're going to work with the (Christie) administration and the State Police and the Attorney General's office to set that up through this legislation."

Bramnick said the idea for the bill came as a result of a cybersecurity forum he recently hosted at Kean University. It became clear at the event, he said, that people don't know where to report cyberspace crimes.

"Every time I go on the Internet there's some request, some suggestion, some offer that I know -- based on the wording -- that it's some sort of fraudulent endeavor, but I don't know who to call," he said. "You're not going to call the local police. I'm not sure anyone knows who to call at the state. I think people really want to turn these wrongdoers in, but they don't know where to turn."

Who is the best recipient to filter complaint calls about cyber fraud? That's still to be determined, Bramnick said.

Currently, residents can log on to the state Office of Consumer Protection's website and find a fraud complaint hotline, (973) 504-6200, but the idea behind Bramnick's proposed measure is to statutorily create a cyber fraud-only hotline. The legislation would also require the state to promote and advertise the hotline.

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