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Wi-Fi theft can get you in hot water

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 5:50PM EST
BGR

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A lesson learned the hard way by a Michigan resident. Sam Peterson was recently arrested in Sparta, Michigan for accessing an unsecured Wi-Fi connection without permission. The wireless connection belonged to a coffee shop that offered free wireless internet for its customers. The problem here? Peterson never entered the store. A neighboring shop owner called the 5-0 after noticing Peterson pull up in his car in front of the shop on a daily basis. The cops, realizing that he was stealing precious internet, contacted the district prosecutor, who then charged Mr. Peterson with a felony, carrying up to 5 years in prison along with it. What the hell? Peterson, who had no prior criminal record, plead out to a $400 fine, 40 hours of community service, and 6 months probation, but is this really a productive use of our legal system? No, it’s not. If you’re in the habit of “innocently” stealing a bit of wireless here and there, perhaps you should think twice the next time you go to sniff out an unsecured network.

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Josh Karp Distinguished Fellow

Josh Karp followed his love of technology since a kid through to the present day. As a Special Correspondent at BGR, and part of the first editorial team, Josh covers press conferences, trade shows and other events around the world. An expert in all things mobile, Josh has more than eighteen years of experience covering the wireless industry.