Scam category
WiFi and hotspot scams
WiFi and hotspot scams exploit the trust people place in public internet access. Attackers set up rogue access points that mimic legitimate networks at airports, hotels, and cafes. Once connected, victims unknowingly route all traffic through the attacker, who can intercept passwords, session tokens, and payment details in real time.
Category activity
“WiFi scam”
↑ 165%Watch for
- Two WiFi networks at the same location have almost identical names.
- A captive portal page asks for credit card details or social media logins to connect.
- Your browser shows certificate warnings immediately after connecting to a public network.
Common searches
evil twin airport WiFi scam
An attacker sets up a WiFi network with the same name as a legitimate airport hotspot, intercepting all data transmitted by connected users including passwords and financial information.
Confirm the exact network name and authentication process with airport staff before connecting.
Travelers
U.S.
hotel WiFi phishing scam
A fake hotel WiFi login page mimics the hotel's branding and asks for your room number, name, and credit card to provide internet access, stealing your payment information.
Verify the exact WiFi network name and login procedure at the front desk before connecting.
Travelers
U.S.
coffee shop man-in-the-middle scam
An attacker on the same coffee shop WiFi network intercepts communications between your device and the router, capturing sensitive data or injecting malicious content.
Always use a VPN on public WiFi — it encrypts all traffic and prevents interception.
Remote workers
U.S.
fake captive portal scam
A rogue WiFi network presents a convincing login page that mimics a legitimate business, collecting your email, social media credentials, or payment information.
Never enter social media or email passwords on a WiFi login page — legitimate portals do not require them.
Public WiFi users
U.S.
Bluetooth proximity attack scam
An attacker exploits Bluetooth connections in crowded public spaces to send malicious files, access device data, or push unwanted notifications to nearby phones.
Set your Bluetooth to non-discoverable or turn it off entirely when not actively using it.
Travelers
U.S.
juice jacking charging station scam
Public USB charging stations at airports and hotels are compromised to install malware or extract data from connected phones while they charge.
Carry your own charger and plug into a power outlet rather than using public USB ports.
Travelers
U.S.
fake mobile hotspot scam
An attacker shares a mobile hotspot with a generic name like 'Free WiFi' in a public area, capturing all traffic from users who connect.
Be suspicious of generic open WiFi networks, especially in areas without advertised free internet.
Travelers
U.S.
WiFi Pineapple attack scam
A WiFi Pineapple device is used to automatically impersonate saved WiFi networks on your device, tricking it into connecting and exposing your data to the attacker.
Regularly clear saved WiFi networks from your device, especially open networks from hotels, airports, and cafes.
Business travelers
U.S.
public library WiFi spoofing scam
An attacker creates a fake WiFi network mimicking a public library's hotspot, targeting patrons who use library computers and WiFi for banking, email, and job applications.
Confirm the exact WiFi name with library staff and look for posted network information at the help desk.
Public WiFi users
U.S.
event venue fake network scam
A fake WiFi network at a conference, concert, or sporting event mimics the venue's official network to capture data from thousands of attendees simultaneously.
Check the event program, app, or organizer's website for official WiFi network details before connecting.
Travelers
U.S.
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