FBI warns: do not use public smartphone charging stations - scammers have learned how to hack them

FBI warns of risks when using free public phone charging stations, reports CNBC.

Photo: IStock

The FBI said scammers may be controlling chargers that infect phones at public stations. They can use them to install malware or spyware on your smartphone. This can give hackers access to your smartphone, tablet or computer.

“Avoid using free charging stations at airports, hotels, or shopping centers,” the FBI Denver field office said in a tweet. — Attackers have found ways to use public USB ports to inject malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet.”

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The FBI offers similar advice on its website. The bulletin did not mention any recent instances of consumer harm resulting from the use of public chargers. The FBI field office in Denver said the report was advisory in nature and that there was no specific case that set a precedent.

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The Federal Communications Commission has also been warning about a criminal malware download scheme since 2021.

Consumer devices with compromised USB cables can be hacked by software that can then intercept user logins and passwords, as the FCC warned at the time. The commission advised consumers to avoid these public stations.

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