Beware of NEW Scam: Your Wi-Fi Connection Could Be a Trap, Florida AG Warns

Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a Consumer Alert, warning Floridians about "Evil Twin" cyber scams.

“We are warning Floridians about an online threat called Evil Twin scams. Cybercriminals can use this scam to target victims through fake Wi-Fi networks and imposter mobile applications, stealing personal information," Moody stated.

Evil Twin scams involve hackers creating fake Wi-Fi networks with similar names to trusted ones, hoping users will connect and unknowingly provide personal information. Evil Twin scammers may also develop fraudulent mobile apps to steal user data.

According to the official press release, in one case earlier this year, a scammer used a portable Wi-Fi hotspot on an airplane, mimicking the legitimate onboard Wi-Fi network.

Here are two common ways the Evil Twin scam works:

• Wi-Fi Networks: Hackers create fraudulent Wi-Fi hotspots that closely resemble legitimate networks in public places like coffee shops, airports, or hotels. Once a victim connects, the hacker can monitor activity and steal sensitive information.
• Mobile Apps: Cybercriminals may develop fake apps that imitate popular, legitimate ones. Once downloaded, these apps can steal login credentials, financial data, or install malware on the user’s device.

Attorney General Moody offers the following tips to help Floridians avoid Evil Twin scams:

• Always verify the Wi-Fi network with the provider by checking the exact name through a real person or written instructions;
• Ensure any websites visited use "https://" instead of "http://" in the URL, or show a padlock icon, indicating the site is secure;
• Download apps only from official app stores, and review the app’s publisher and user feedback to confirm its authenticity;
• Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt data, making it harder for cybercriminals to access personal information over public Wi-Fi;
• Turn off file sharing and automatic Wi-Fi connections on your devices;
• Avoid conducting financial transactions or logging into personal accounts when connected to public Wi-Fi.

Victims of Evil Twin scams should report incidents to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Computer Crime Center. Anyone encountering an Evil Twin scam can also file a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.

​For more Consumer Alerts, visit MyFloridaLegal.com/ConsumerAlert.