Re:Three Companies Impersonated Millions to Influence Intern...
by nunuvit on Sunday May 14, 2023 @06:09AM
(#35936855)
> The primary funders included
an industry trade group and three companies that are among the biggest players in the United States
internet, phone, and cable market,
They know who hired them, but they don't say in the report.
> The OAG has not found evidence that the broadband companies or their lobbying firm had direct
knowledge that the lead generators they had funded engaged in fraud. As a result, the OAG has not found
that these parties violated New York law.
> Under federal law, it is illegal in some circumstances to lie to the government, to copy another person’s identity,
and to interfere with government processes. In New York, it is a misdemeanor to impersonate another by website
or electronic means with intent to obtain a benefit. These criminal statutes were not designed to deter the misuse
of hundreds of thousands of individuals’ identities. Congress and state governments — including New York’s
legislature — should amend impersonation laws to provide for substantial penalties when many individuals are
impersonated before a government agency or official.
I'd like to see them punished as much as possible under existing laws. The US government maybe could do so with what they currently have. NY would need to find evidence that shows intent. Not sure about other states.
They know who hired them, but they don't say in the report.
> The OAG has not found evidence that the broadband companies or their lobbying firm had direct knowledge that the lead generators they had funded engaged in fraud. As a result, the OAG has not found that these parties violated New York law.
> Under federal law, it is illegal in some circumstances to lie to the government, to copy another person’s identity, and to interfere with government processes. In New York, it is a misdemeanor to impersonate another by website or electronic means with intent to obtain a benefit. These criminal statutes were not designed to deter the misuse of hundreds of thousands of individuals’ identities. Congress and state governments — including New York’s legislature — should amend impersonation laws to provide for substantial penalties when many individuals are impersonated before a government agency or official.
I'd like to see them punished as much as possible under existing laws. The US government maybe could do so with what they currently have. NY would need to find evidence that shows intent. Not sure about other states.