Re: State of the Internet, 2005

TELECOM Digest Editor wrote:

>> A look at the internet as it stands now, in 2005, from a compilation >> originally prepared by CNN.com: >> Chain letters >> "Forward this message to 10 people and DO NOT BREAK THE CHAIN!" the >> writer implores. Messages like these have been pouring into inboxes since >> the inception of e-mail -- taking the old-fashioned chain letter from the >> post office to cyberspace. Chain letters are a particularly annoying form of >> spam because they often come from friends and promise negative consequences >> for not forwarding the message (bad luck or a lost chance at riches, for >> example). >> Choosing to forward a message, however, could get you in trouble. Many >> people don't know it is illegal to start or forward an e-mail chain letter >> that promises any kind of return. Anyone doing so could be prosecuted for >> mail fraud. > 'Anyone doing so could be prosecuted for mail fraud.' > ??? > How can that possibly be correct?

In the United States, that statement _is_ correct.

First of all, it suggests that the > post office has some sort of jurisdiction over e-mail, which it > clearly does not (mail fraud is investigated by postal > inspectors).

You are, in fact, *WRONG* on that count. The post office _does_ have jurisdiction over certain activities conducted by means other than postal mail.

The USPIS handles investigation/enforcement of 18 USC 1342.

Which includes frauds that _induce_ victims to send money _via_the_mails_.

If the 'scheme to defraud' involves the use of the postal mail system

*in*any*way* then the crime of 'mail fraud' applies.

But secondly, '_anyone_ doing so...' is preposterously Americano-centric.

The exact same jurisdictional rule (post office has jurisdiction (albeit not necessarily 'exclusive' jurisdiction) over anything that uses mails as _any_ part of the fraud) applies in Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, Japan, Australia, (those places I have specific knowledge of) and most of the rest of the world. Even Nigeria.

Reply to
Robert Bonomi
Loading thread data ...

Cabling-Design.com Forums website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.