WiFi password significance

All your computer hardware and software questions in here please.

Moderator: Moderators

Post Reply
yartin
Senior Member
Posts: 1266
Joined: Fri Jun 09, 2017 11:55 am
Has thanked: 145 times
Been thanked: 126 times

WiFi password significance

Post by yartin »

Hi
I went for a walk yesterday, left house 20 yards turn left to another road and a man early 20s wearing black track suit and trainers approached me asking for help, he needed internet access because he came to an airbnb, doesn't have the house number. I felt sorry so gave him hotspot 5G access and my password, he sent and received couple of texts saying the guy on the way will be there in 5 mins. I was curious and asked show me the text, he hesitated then said it's in Polish and showed me the screen for no more than 3 seconds, I asked whether the guy who is renting is Polish too and said yes. I know damn well there is no Polish in that road, there are only 10 houses, I walk there often and chat to the occupiers. He wasn't carrying anything, I asked about his luggage, said he's been looking for airbnb for a while and been moving from one to another.
I said good luck and walked away but suspicious. I turned my mobile off for 30 mins and changed my PSW when got home.

Any thoughts of such scenario?
dewaltdisney
Senior Member
Posts: 17058
Joined: Fri Jan 20, 2006 5:51 pm
Location: Essex
Has thanked: 820 times
Been thanked: 3519 times

WiFi password significance

Post by dewaltdisney »

Sounds a bit suss. Someone asked to borrow my phone once, I said I did not have one as he looked like a druggy. He looked at me with I don't believe you look and I looked at him with a I don't care look. I bet he would have rum off with it

DWD
User avatar
Argyll
Senior Member
Posts: 6158
Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2008 3:58 pm
Has thanked: 1180 times
Been thanked: 580 times

WiFi password significance

Post by Argyll »

They could use your hotspot to download or distribute malware and viruses, possibly infecting other devices on the network or targeting websites with malicious software.

I'd check your banking apps over the next few days or better still call your bank and ask. They can monitor your account for a few weeks.

It definitely sounds dodgy.
yartin
Senior Member
Posts: 1266
Joined: Fri Jun 09, 2017 11:55 am
Has thanked: 145 times
Been thanked: 126 times

WiFi password significance

Post by yartin »

Argyll wrote: Fri Sep 13, 2024 8:25 am They could use your hotspot to download or distribute malware and viruses, possibly infecting other devices on the network or targeting websites with malicious software.

I'd check your banking apps over the next few days or better still call your bank and ask. They can monitor your account for a few weeks.

It definitely sounds dodgy.
Can they still use my hotspot after I turned it off (ie: Allow others to join is off) and also changed password?

I have banking app but hardly use it, use laptop for online banking. I just deleted the app in case.
Rorschach
Senior Member
Posts: 5376
Joined: Wed Feb 26, 2014 9:35 pm
Has thanked: 108 times
Been thanked: 1038 times

WiFi password significance

Post by Rorschach »

He can't use it when you are out of range. Seems an odd situation.
User avatar
Argyll
Senior Member
Posts: 6158
Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2008 3:58 pm
Has thanked: 1180 times
Been thanked: 580 times

WiFi password significance

Post by Argyll »

yartin wrote: Fri Sep 13, 2024 10:35 am
Argyll wrote: Fri Sep 13, 2024 8:25 am They could use your hotspot to download or distribute malware and viruses, possibly infecting other devices on the network or targeting websites with malicious software.

I'd check your banking apps over the next few days or better still call your bank and ask. They can monitor your account for a few weeks.

It definitely sounds dodgy.
Can they still use my hotspot after I turned it off (ie: Allow others to join is off) and also changed password?

I have banking app but hardly use it, use laptop for online banking. I just deleted the app in case.
I've no idea mate but you done the right thing deleting the app. The thing is con men are so clever they're normally two steps ahead of the law so it might be a scam we haven't heard of before.
User avatar
Mr Red
Newly registered Member
Posts: 94
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 9:13 pm
Has thanked: 50 times
Been thanked: 0

WiFi password significance

Post by Mr Red »

Change your hotspot password and you are good.
User avatar
Someone-Else
Senior Member
Posts: 14628
Joined: Sat Sep 01, 2012 6:03 pm
Has thanked: 47 times
Been thanked: 2575 times

WiFi password significance

Post by Someone-Else »

Mr Red wrote: Fri Sep 27, 2024 7:52 amChange your hotspot password and you are good.
You are a bit late to the party. :-) He changed his password over 2 weeks ago
yartin wrote: Thu Sep 12, 2024 2:58 pm and changed my PSW when got home.
Above are my opinions Below is my signature.

Would you hit a nail with a shoe because you don't have a hammer? of course not, then why work on anything electrical without a means of testing Click Here to buy a "tester" just because it works, does NOT mean it is safe.

:mrgreen: If gloom had a voice, it would be me.

:idea1: Click Here for a video how to add/change pictures


Inept people use the QUOTE BUTTON instead of the QUICK REPLY section :-)
Post Reply

Return to “Computers”