SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Internet-related fraud made up half the consumer fraud complaints to the Federal Trade Commission last year, and it's only going to get worse as cyber criminals get more sophisticated and aggressive, according to experts.

There are thousands of Internet hot spots around the United States for those who use wireless laptops. Most are in coffee shops or airports. While that makes wireless technology convenient, it also sets the consumers up for cyber thievery, because where there are WiFi hot spots, there also could be "evil twin" hot spots.

Hackers can be anywhere there's a hot spot -- in the park across the street or in a parked car. They set up "evil twins" that look just like legitimate hot spots and trick consumers' computers into thinking they are accessing their home wireless network or a safe public network. While using the network, thieves can monitor moves and steal the information entered into a Web site.

"So, say for example the individual sitting three chairs down from you, he's working. You think he's a businessman traveling, but in reality, he could be trying to steal your identity," said computer expert Christopher Faulkner.

But consumers can protect themselves by setting their computer to disable the automatic connection when the card is in. Otherwise, it will automatically connect to the hot spot with the strongest signal, whether it's legitimate or not.

Consumers should also look for signs showing the legitimate hot spot provider, and they should only enter private information into sites that protect data with encryption technology.

Faulkner says there is no technology that can detect "evil twins."

"They set up shop. They capture info. And they're gone," Faulkner said.

Faulkner also recommends setting up WiFi accounts from a computer with a landline so consumers can securely enter credit card information and create passwords. He also has one credit card he uses just for wireless work that has a limited amount of money and isn't tied to his banking accounts.