Beware of Fake Wi-fi Networks in Starbucks!

I hate online hackers and 'phishers' who try and steal your credit card details. How would they like someone stealing their credit card and running up a $1000 bill at Walmart? And things are getting worse. Even coffeeshops aren't safe now!

I read an interesting article today about the increasingly common (and alarming!) trend of hackers setting up identical named wi-fi network accounts at coffee shops. These appear to be legitimate and collect your credit card details when you want to pay for your wireless access at the coffee shop. But they are actually fake and steal your credit card details! Its happening more at coffeeshops like Starbucks where you have to logon and pay for wireless access. Grrr.

My solutions? Either sign up and pay for your wireless account from home before you get to Starbucks, and just simply login when you get there. That way at least they don't get your credit card details if you fall for the scam!

Better yet. Don't even go to coffee shops like Starbucks or Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where you have to pay for wireless internet! Go to one of your local neighborhood coffee shops, and chances are they will have free wireless - no need to even logon or put your credit card details in! And that way you support your local coffee shops too instead of the corporate coffee shops! ;)