New York City Computer Fraud Defense Attorneys

NYC Internet Fraud Criminal Lawyers

Computer and Internet Fraud has become such a prevalent issue in the recent times that it increasingly draws attention of federal law enforcement agencies. The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) is one of the main federal criminal statutes used by the government in computer fraud prosecutions.

Criminal activities that constitute federal computer fraud are:

  • Obtaining National Security Information
  • Compromising the Confidentiality of a Computer
  • Trespassing in a Government Computer
  • Accessing a Computer to Defraud & Obtain Value
  • Knowing Transmission and Intentional Damage
  • Intentional Access and Reckless Damage
  • Intentional Access and Damage
  • Trafficking in Passwords
  • Extortion Involving Threats to Damage Computer

While the statute generally applies to accessing or intruding computers without authorization  (computer hacking), some federal courts also extend criminal and civil liability to insiders who access computers other than the computer they are authorized to use as well as well as insiders who act as agents for third parties, and intrusions by insiders who violate access policies.

Other crimes that are usually charged in connection with computer fraud are

  • Identity Theft
  • Money Laundering
  • Participating in Criminal Enterprise
  • Conspiracy
  • Wire Fraud
  • Larceny

In addition to unauthorized use of computer, federal law criminalizes  other activities, such as

  • Denial of Service Attacks  – transmission of program, information, code, or command, resulting in damage or interfering with government communication systems
  • Substitution or Redirection of a website
  • Use of Misleading Domain Name with intent to deceive a person into viewing obscene material or with intent to deceive a minor into viewing harmful material
  • Extortion
  • Internet Fraud – auction fraud or “phishing” or accessing a computer to defraud and obtain something of value
  • Unfair or deceptive trade practices
  • False advertising
  • Fraudulent access to financial information
  • Credit Card Fraud
  • Child Pornography,  Child Luring, and Related Activities
  • Sale of Prescription Drugs and Controlled Substances
  • Smuggling goods into the United States
  • Unlawful sale of firearms
  • Gambling
  • Securities Fraud
  • Piracy and Intellectual Property Theft
  • Trade Secrets/Economic Espionage
  • Electronic Harassment
  • Illegal Interception of Electronic Communications

Defending computer fraud cases requires understanding of a wide array of laws and technical details. Our New York City computer and Internet fraud criminal lawyers employ forensic computer experts to prepare the optimal defense strategy. Many issues are important, from the legality of search and seizure by the government to the implication of the defendant in the commission of the crime.

If you need to consult an computer or internet fraud attorney in NYC, call us today to schedule a consultation!