Fraud Alert: Public Wi-Fi is Never Private

Connecting to the Internet in a public space like a coffee shop, the library or an airport is a wonderful modern convenience, but it comes with significant risk. Public Wi-Fi is never private, so we’re asking for your help in preventing Wi-Fi fraud!

How it works:   

Fraudsters have come up with a number of ways to steal information from you or attack your computer while you are on public Wi-Fi. New hacking tools that are available free online make it easy even for novice hackers to compromise your security.

What you should know:   

• It is never safe to assume any privacy on public Wi-Fi, even when prompted for a password.
• Anything you do on public Wi-Fi – entering a password, typing in a credit card number, accessing a bank account – puts you at risk.

What you should do: 

• Keep your surfing safe when on public Wi-Fi by sticking to things like reading the news and checking the weather. In short, never do anything on public Wi-Fi that requires a password.
• Help spread the word! Ask your local library, coffee shop or any establishment that offers free public Wi-Fi to post this flyer and make visitors aware of how they can protect themselves when on public Wi-Fi.

Want to learn more about online safety?   Watch interactive videos on how to  protect yourself from unsafe public Wi-Fi,  make online passwords secure and learn about  phishing.

Spotted a scam?  Tell us about it.  Our scam-tracking map gives you information about the latest scams targeting people in your state.  You’ll also find first-hand accounts from scam-spotters who are sharing their experiences so you know how to protect yourself and your family.

 

Photo courtesy of: iStockphoto.com/alexskopje