Public WiFi and Phone Scams: How Shield’s WiFi Scanner Keeps You Safe

If you use an Android phone in places like coffee shops, airports, or hotels, you’ve probably connected to public WiFi. But public WiFi and phone scams are all too common, and can put your personal information at risk. That’s where Shield’s WiFi Scanner comes in, helping you stay safe when you're on the go.

Why Public WiFi Can Be Risky

Public WiFi is often unsecured, meaning hackers nearby can spy on your online activity. Scammers sometimes set up fake networks (known as “evil twin” networks) with names like “Airport_WiFi_Free” to trick you into connecting. Once you do, they can see your passwords, email activity, or even bank logins.

Security experts warn that some scammers even create fake hotspots inside trusted venues like coffee shops and hotels.

Real-World Example: Airport “Evil Twin” Scam

In 2024, Australian police charged a man who created fake WiFi networks at airports and on flights. These “evil twin” networks lured passengers into logging in with credentials like email or social media details. That info was saved and later used to access private data, and possibly financial accounts.

Similar incidents have been reported worldwide, including cases where scammers used in-flight WiFi to capture personal data.

How Shield’s WiFi Scanner Protects You

Shield Antivirus Launcher includes a built-in WiFi Scanner that checks each network’s safety before you join it. It detects spoofed networks, warns you if something seems wrong, and prevents your phone from connecting to dangerous hotspots.

Shield scans for threats such as:

• ARP spoofing

• DNS spoofing

• SSL stripping

  
  

So even if a scammer tries to fool you with a fake network, Shield helps block it.

Easy Tips to Stay Safe on Public WiFi

Here are some simple steps that help protect you:

• Verify the network name with staff before connecting.

• Turn off “auto-connect” so your phone doesn’t join unknown networks automatically.

• Avoid logging into sensitive accounts (like banking or private email) on public WiFi.

• Use Shield’s WiFi Scanner to check every network before joining.

  
  

Why This Matters for Phone Scams

Phone scams often start with stolen information from your phone. If scammers get your email or login details from a risky WiFi connection, they may call you posing as your bank or service providers. Keeping your connection safe helps shut down these scams at the start.

Final Thoughts: Stay Protected Wherever You Go

Public WiFi might be convenient, but it’s not always safe. With Shield’s WiFi Scanner, you get a built-in security guard on your Android phone, keeping you one step ahead of scammers.

Ready to protect yourself on the go?

Download Shield Antivirus Launcher from the Google Play Store here and feel confident every time you connect to WiFi.