Fighting Fraud
By Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently tweeted a statement advising consumers to avoid using public charging stations commonly found in airports, hotels and shopping malls.
When consumers plug into these USB-based charging stations, hackers and scammers can potentially access their cellphone data, including sensitive information such as passwords, images and location data.
Bad actors may load malware onto public USB charging stations or cables. The practice is commonly referred to as “juice jacking.” Consumers may not immediately realize they have become a victim of this attack. Previously, in October 2021, the Federal Communications Commission issued an advisory stating that “in some cases, criminals may have intentionally left cables plugged in at charging stations. There have even been reports of infected cables being given away as promotional gifts.”
Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland is advising consumers to be aware of the risks that come with using public devices, cords and charging stations. This is especially important to remember when planning vacations and traveling for work. Plan ahead, bring external batteries, and be wary of using external chargers, even if it seems to be enticing when waiting for a layover.
Additionally, use the following tips to avoid being a victim of juice-jacking:
- Avoid plugging your device into USB public charging stations
- Bring your own USB outlet and cable to plug directly into an AC power outlet
- Use a portal charger or external battery
- Use a charge-only cable with a USB data blocker that prohibits data transfers while charging
- If you plug your device into a USB port and a prompt appears asking you to select “share data” or “charge only,” always select “charge only.”
- Make sure your phone’s firmware is up-to-date
Have additional questions? Reach out to your BBB at 216.241.7678 or [email protected]. Have a scam to report? Report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
