c. 266, § 33A

Obtaining computer services by fraud or misrepresentation; penalties

Up to 2½ years Cyber, Privacy & Communications Ch. 266 · Crimes Against Property

Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term

Whoever, with intent to defraud, obtains, or to obtain, or another in obtaining, any commercial computer service by false representation, false statement, unauthorized charging to the account of another, by installing or tampering with any facilities or equipment or by any other means, shall be punished by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than two and one-half years or by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars, or both. As used in this section, the words “commercial computer service” shall mean the use of computers, computer systems, computer programs or computer networks, or the access to or copying of the data, where such use, access or copying is offered by the proprietor or operator of the computer, system, program, network or data to others on a subscription or other basis for monetary consideration.

Simplified explanation

Fraudulently obtaining, attempting to obtain, or helping another obtain a commercial computer service is punishable by up to 2½ years in a house of correction.