New US Anti-Phishing Legislation

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19-Apr-2005

Washington lawmakers have passed legislation increasing penalities for phishers.

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Yesterday saw Washington's introduction of new laws which will increase penalties against phishers. The new legislation creates laws which specifically target phishing ringleaders.

A recent report from the Pew Internet and American Life Project revealed that phishing spam is on the rise while porn spam is decreasing.

"This allows us to go after perpetrators and civilly go after the resources they've stolen. It's a priority to make sure people feel comfortable doing business over the internet," said Jeff Morris, a sponsor of the bill and chairman of the House Technology, Energy and Communications Committee.

The new anti-phishing measures allow victims to sure for $500 or their actual damages, whichever is the greater. ISPs (Internet Service Providers) which are victims can sue for $5,000 or likewise, for actual damages.

Phishers are usually very hard to track as they quickly open and close often untraceable email and ISP accounts.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has only filed three cases against phishers in the previous 2 years, one of which is now serving 4 years in prison.

MillerSmiles News

19/04/05

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