Internet Fraud

What You Need To Know About Federal Internet Fraud

The federal government makes it illegal to access the Internet to defraud and take something of value.

Prosecutors have to prove that someone intentionally accessed a protected computer without authorization, or went beyond their authorization.

Some of the Internet fraud schemes used most often include:

• Computer hacking to steal money from banks or other businesses
• Computer hacking to steal identification information such as passwords or credit card numbers
• Phishing schemes that trick unsuspecting people into entering their credit card numbers on fake websites

Computer Fraud and Abuse Act

Federal laws governing computer fraud can be found in many areas of the US Code.

The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), passed by Congress in 1986 and amended many times since, is the basic law used by federal prosecutors to prosecute computer crimes including computer fraud. This law was enacted to curtail computer crime, and legislators have tried to keep up with evolving criminal activities.

CFAA makes it a federal crime to intentionally and destructively trespass in the following computer systems where you are not an authorized user:

• Federal computers
• Bank computers
• Computers used for interstate and/or foreign commerce

The key to the severity of your punishment for CFAA violations centers on whether you illegally entered the system with the intent to cause harm or destruction or commit fraud. Internet fraud charges can draw up to five years in prison for a first offense.

How A Lawyer Will Help

When you are up against a fraud charge, you will be facing inflexible laws and a determined US prosecutor. You will need an attorney who can help you determine all of your options and achieve the best outcome for your circumstances.

United States Code

Read more about federal criminal offenses in the United States Code.