Question
Hi,
I have used a fake name and a fake e-mail to ask about the business model of our competitors. The company have recorded the audio, where I used a fake name. I am wondering if I could be legally liable for using a fake identity to gather pricing information. I have never agreed to sign an NDA or any document. Any thoughts? Thanks.
thanks.
Answer
It depends on the country but in most developed countries you are committing an illegal act by using a fake name to gain competitive advantage.
In the U.S. this will likely fall under under theft by deception and/or fraud. In the U.K. this would fall under "blagging".
In addition of this being an illegal behavior, it is also unethical what you are doing.
