Legal Definitions - computer and internet fraud

Computer and internet fraud refers to criminal activities that involve the use of a computer or the internet. These activities can take many forms, such as hacking, intercepting electronic transmissions, identity theft, and more.

Computer fraud is defined in federal law in the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) as the access of a protected computer without authorization or exceeding authorization. The law applies to nearly all computers with internet access because the internet is an "instrumentality and channel of interstate commerce".

• Advance-fee scams, such as the infamous Nigerian prince scam, where the perpetrator requests money in return for small deposits.
• Phishing, where the perpetrator attempts to gather personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, and passwords.
• Data mining, where the perpetrator installs spyware or malware to access personal information with the intent to use it fraudulently.
• Copyright infringement, where the perpetrator copies information with the intent to sell it.
• Hacking, where the perpetrator illegally uses a computer to change information, such as grades, work reports, etc.
• Sending computer viruses or worms with the intent to destroy or ruin another's computer.
• Denial of service, where the perpetrator intentionally interrupts an authorized user's access to a network.

These examples illustrate how computer and internet fraud can take many different forms and can have serious consequences for victims. It is important to be aware of these types of fraud and take steps to protect personal information and devices.