Congressman Langevin to unveil hotline to report cybercrimes

Federally-funded program will use the Rhode Island 2-1-1 infrastructure to help victims of cybercrime and online fraud

PROVIDENCE, R.I. —  Congressman Jim Langevin will be joined by local and national officials Monday to celebrate the launch of a statewide cybercrime support and recovery system. The new system allows Rhode Islanders to dial “2-1-1” in order to report and find resources to recover from cybercrimes like identity theft, financial fraud, and cyberstalking. Upon calling, victims will be connected with trained operators who can assess the situation and put them in touch with law enforcement or local, non-profit organizations that provide support services. Rhode Island is the first state in the nation to launch a statewide system to support cybercrime victims built on existing 2-1-1 infrastructure. 2-1-1 in Rhode Island will begin taking cybercrime reporting calls on May 13, 2019.

The support and recovery system will be managed through a partnership between the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, United Way Rhode Island 2-1-1, and the Cybercrime Support Network. Funding for the partnership was secured through a $282,600 federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant with the assistance of Congressman Langevin.