The rise of fake Wi-Fi: How hackers are stealing your personal data

A new report has revealed how hackers are able to easily access personal data using fake Wi-Fi accounts.

The investigation by the US Today show found that cyber scammers can quickly access your credit card information, flight details and purchase history, once a victim is logged onto their fake Wi-Fi.

Investigative journalist Jeff Rossen used a security expert to set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots at the Grand Fiesta Americana hotel in Cancun, Mexico, reported The Sun.

Tourists were tricked into clicking on the fake Wi-Fi hotpots because the duo gave them names similar to the hotel's secure Wi-Fi.

After various tourists had clicked on the fake W-Fi, Rossen went around the resort tracking people by their phones to warn them of what they had done.

The tourists were shocked at how easily they had been fooled.

Rossen shared tips to the tourists about how they could stay safe online while on holiday.

One key piece of advice Rossen shared was to log off public Wi-Fi when making online purchases on your phone.

He recommends using your mobile phone network, even if it is more expensive, as it will ensure you are safe from fake Wi-Fi.

He also advised phone users to click “forget this network” after using public Wi-Fi, to avoid auto-logging on to hotspots.

You can also turn off your Wi-Fi’s “auto-join” feature for safer use.

One last trick Rossen shared was, the best way to test the authenticity of the Wi-Fi claiming to be your hotel is to enter the wrong room number when prompted.

If you still receive access, you will know it is a scam network that is letting anyone in. If it is actually your hotel network, you will be denied access.

Over the summer holidays, Australian families were warned to be careful when logging into free Wi-Fi networks.

One man had $155,000 worth of digital currency Bitcoin stolen after logging into a restaurant’s unsecured public Wi-Fi network. 

Have you ever had a dodgy Wi-Fi experience? Tell us in the comments below.