I don't know California statutes, but in Illinois that would be a crime:
(720 ILCS 5/17-50) (was 720 ILCS 5/16D-5 and 5/16D-6)
Sec. 17-50. Computer fraud.
(a) A person commits computer fraud when he or she knowingly:
(1) Accesses or causes to be accessed a computer or any part thereof, or a program or data, with the intent of devising or executing any scheme or artifice to defraud, or as part of a deception;
(720 ILCS 5/17-50) (was 720 ILCS 5/16D-5 and 5/16D-6) Sec. 17-50. Computer fraud. (a) A person commits computer fraud when he or she knowingly: (1) Accesses or causes to be accessed a computer or any part thereof, or a program or data, with the intent of devising or executing any scheme or artifice to defraud, or as part of a deception;