Computer Law/Email fraud

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Expert: - 12/12/2008


Question
My co-worker accessed another co-workers email account and repled to a
personal email I had sent but also added several very negative and harmful
things to the email and then proceeded to forward it to the entire company
including the president. I am now held accountable for the personal things
sent in the original email. What can I do when someone accessed someone  
email fraudulently and my personal emails were exposed in the process?
Also, what are the legal ramifications of this fraudulent action?

Answer
Cynthia,

I assume you have some evidence that this co-worker improperly accessed the other co-worker's email account.  If so, you should report this to your HR department, if you haven't already done so.  Ultimately, any legal ramifications are subject to your employer's determination, as I assume the email and access took place using your employer's computer network.

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Dan Pepper

Expertise

I can answer questions regarding all forms of Internet, technology, and multimedia law. Specific areas may include: website terms and conditions, privacy policies, copyright, trademark, domain name disputes, software and technology licensing, and website and software development agreements. More information can be found at informationlaw.com.

Experience

I've practiced law since 1994, representing dozens of ecommerce, Internet, and software companies.

Organizations
NJ State Bar Association PA State Bar Association American Bar Association American Corporate Counsel Association Internet & Computer Law Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association Somerset County Business Partnership Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Licensing Executives Society Free Speech Coalition Board of Advisors, Stevens Institute of Technology Communications

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BA, Political Science; JD.

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Oracle Corporation, BEA Systems

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