NY Consumer Protection Agency Warns of Public WiFi, USB Dangers
Tue 31st Dec 2019 | Posted by Glancy Law, on Blog
The New York Division of Consumer Protection is warning people about the hacking risks of using public WiFi and USB ports.
“Millions of people every day step out into the world, and all its surrounding technology,” New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said in a recent public notice. “As technology grows and continues to make our lives easier, it is also making it easier for hackers to get access to our information. It is important for consumers to know what they can do to protect themselves.”
The notice is meant to alert people about the dangers of using public WiFi for free wireless internet connections and USB ports for connecting devices and sharing files. WiFi and USB connections can allow thieves to skim your data or install malware on your computer or device and use it to steal sensitive personal information, the agency said.
The agency is offering a number of recommendations to guard against the threat. Travelers should never use USB cords that are not theirs, opting instead to charge their devices at home or bring back up batteries. They should also know which WiFi hotspots they are connecting to and change their device settings so that they don’t automatically connect to hotspots. Close all apps and refrain from opening bank account or other apps that contain personal information before joining a public WiFi network.
Legal Protections for Identity Theft Victims
The new warning in New York is the latest reminder that fraudsters are always lurking, whether it is in a public WiFi network or at the other end of a robocall.
The good news is that there are a number of legal tools that identify theft and other fraud victims can take to hold scammers accountable and get compensation for their injuries. Seasoned consumer protection attorneys can help you build the strongest possible case.
Class actions are an effective option for people who have been harmed by identity theft or other types of scams and do not want to go it alone. This type of lawsuit allows multiple people to go after fraudsters for the same scams.
One significant benefit of a class action is that it allows class members to share the costs of the lawsuit. Class members can also leverage their claims to get the attention of those responsible for the financial damage they have incurred.
How Our Consumer Protection Attorneys Can Help You
At Glancy Prongay & Murray, our consumer protection attorneys help people fight back against hacking, identity theft and other types of fraud. We are dedicated to working aggressively to get them the full compensation available under the law. Our firm also offers a number of fee arrangements to share any financial risk with the people that we represent.
We are pleased to offer a number of financing arrangements, including contingency agreements. Call us at (310) 201-9150 or contact us online to speak with our consumer protection attorneys today.