NCJ Number
75895
Journal
Journal of Media Law and Practice Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (September 1980) Pages: 154-166
Date Published
1980
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Political, economic, and social questions related to the growth of the practice of electronically transferring funds are considered and problems posed for the criminal justice system are discussed.
Abstract
Electronic funds transfer systems (EFTS's) are financial services which use computers to debit and credit financial accounts. Components of this system include (1) financial transfer clearinghouses, (2) point of sale systems, (3) automated teller machines, and (4) telephone bill payer systems. Although EFTS offers speed, convenience, security, and a deterrence to traditional forms of crime, the system is expensive, lacks consumer acceptance, and encourages new forms of crime. The system acts to centralize economic power in the hands of large banks. During recent years, computers have increasingly come under criminal attack. Fraudulent politicians, dishonest employees, and computer criminals can use computers to steal money and property. Information theft is also on the rise. Computer thieves will be better educated, organized, and financed in the future than criminals today. The ability of the fragmented police investigative apparatus to cope with the complexities of this form of crime is in doubt. Moreover, prosecution of these cases will be hampered by major evidentiary difficulties and by the present lack of sophistication in applicable criminal law. A total of 11 States have passed legislation specifically addressing computer-related crime. The definition of property remains a major problem confronting many existing statutes. Thirty notes are included.