How Are the Cops Involved When Someone Hacks Email?
It is a misdemeanor under federal law to hack into another person's email. However, simply snooping in an email account does not leave a trace. Typically, police need evidence of another crime, or definitive proof that information was obtained that was contained only in the email account.
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Unauthorized Use of Computer
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Under unauthorized use of a computer laws, you cannot use an individual's password, nor use his email account to send email or obtain services without his consent.
Electronic Communications Protection Act (ECPA)
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Under the ECPA, the email in question must be intercepted and then shared. It is illegal to make intercepting devices under this act as well. The only exception to this act is when the email usage could potentially be a threat to national security and an interception order can be obtained by the government under the Patriot Act.
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Personal Property
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Email falls under personal property laws in most states. In some states, the thief would have to publish or share the information for malicious intent or for further use in any course of conduct that violates the laws of the state before it is prosecutable.
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