Can My Credit Card Information Be Stolen in Public Wi-Fi Areas?

Public Wi-Fi is convenient, yet dangerous. Because the connection is public, it's accessible to anyone. Public Wi-Fi offers no privacy. If you reveal your credit card information through public Wi-Fi, you're leaving yourself vulnerable to hackers. Even if the Wi-Fi connection is in a library or place of business, hackers and criminals could be lurking and waiting to steal your information.

When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, you're sharing the connection with other people using the network. Although it's convenient for browsing the Web, it's not safe for banking, shopping or paying bills. Because hackers can view what you're doing while using the public connection, it's wise to keep your personal information private.

Wi-Fi signals are similar to radio waves. If a hacker is within a certain range of the public network, he can spy on the information you are sending and receiving. With the right knowledge and software programs, a hacker can see exactly what you are doing on the web, whether it's updating your social networks or paying your utility bills. When using a public Wi-Fi connection, you are basically announcing everything you're doing and hoping no one is listening.

According to Eweek.com, hackers commonly pretend to be a hot spot. If a "free" Wi-Fi hot spot requests your personal information or credit card to connect, this should raise red flags and signal that something isn't right. However, not all fake hot spots ask for your information because they can obtain it when you begin browsing the Web. The hackers may even use the same name as the legitimate access point to make the fraudulent hot spot more difficult to detect. Unless you're positive you are using a secure hot spot, avoid entering your personal information or using your credit card. Because hackers can access your passwords, don't log into your email or other accounts.

Not only should you avoid using your credit card via public Wi-Fi, but it's also wise to protect your identity. If a hacker discovers your name and Social Security number, he could assume your identity and open new credit cards in your name. Avoid entering any sensitive information or opening emails that include the information. If your information has been intercepted, you won't even know it until it's too late.