Calif. Gov. Signs Law To Punish 'Phishing' Scams

Dave Zan · Oct 4, 2005

A first "legal" attempt to solve a big problem. (and big is an understatement...):

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsA...RA101575_RTRUKOC_0_US-CALIFORNIA-PHISHING.xml

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill on Friday making Internet "phishing" identity theft scams punishable by law.

The bill, advanced by state Sen. Kevin Murray, is the first of its kind in the United States and makes "phishing" -- getting people to divulge personal information via e-mail by representing oneself as a business without the approval or authority of the business -- a civil violation.

Victims may seek to recover actual damages or $500,000 for each violation, depending upon which is greater.

Those caught can expect to be "terminated". :-D

007 · Oct 4, 2005

It's about time.

This is only the law in CA though right? :-(

It should be a federal offense. It can easily lead to identity theft and other major problems.

It's a good start, but it needs to move on to the rest of the US as well.

furca · Oct 4, 2005

Woo! Hoo!

So now all I have to do is move to cali.... and hook up my PC, check my email account and send my PP emails to the gov?

Ill have over like 20 mil.