An internet connection is indispensable these days. But connecting to free public WiFi is not always safe.

Cyberthieves share connectivity to steal passwords or PINs of unsuspecting users in order to open their bank or e-wallet accounts and steal their money. This modus operandi involves the use of fake web pages where users are required to log in to get a free connection. The typed password is then saved on the cyberthief’s device.

Even more sophisticated than public hotspots are fake cell towers that capture the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) of users.

Last month, police arrested Malaysian Thiang Choon Wee for allegedly supplying IMSI catchers — electronic devices that track the location and intercept messages, calls and data traffic of target phones — according to Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center executive director Alexander Ramos.

An open WiFi hotspot may also allow malefactors to terrorize people if not scam them.

American Airlines Flight 286 to Charlotte, North Carolina aborted its takeoff and returned to the gate of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas, on 7 February after a passenger reported a disturbing hotspot to a flight attendant, ABC News reported.

The passenger, Bruce Steen, 63, tried to connect to WiFi and as his phone showed the list of available hotspots on board, one of the names did not sit well with the plane’s crew.

While the plane was parked, a flight attendant told the passengers they wanted the one who named his WiFi account, “there is a bomb on the flight,” to come forward, according to ABC News and New York Post.

No one came forward, so all the passengers were escorted off the plane, held in a cordoned area, forced to show police the name of their hotspot, and re-screened by security, while their bags were offloaded, checked and sniffed by bomb dogs, ABC News reported.

After over four hours of investigation, no bomb was found and the flight took off at 6:15 p.m.