HOUSTON -- A new Internet scam is searching for victims who surf the World Wide Web on wireless devices, Houston television station KPRC reported.

It's called "wi-phishing" and the goal is to trick computer users into giving up their personal information via a wireless Internet connection.

Coffee shops, hotels, airports and libraries often offer customers wireless Internet access. These places are called hot spots. It's a great convenience for the consumer and a great opportunity for cyber thieves, the station said.

"It's like somebody walking through Grand Central Station with papers blowing out of the back of their briefcase all over the place, for anybody to read," said Nicholas Miller, a computer expert.

Crooks can tap into an unsecured wireless connection and access your personal information, adding to a huge problem -- identity theft.

"With over 100 million wireless laptops in use today, wi-phishing means that problem is only going to get worse," Miller said.

Ben Frankfort brings his laptop with him to his favorite coffee chop.

He's heard of wi-phishing.

"(It worries me) a little bit, but I'm not doing anything that covert so, other than a few names, it wouldn't be so bad, I don't think," Frankfort said. "I never do any sort of banking or credit card purchasing outside of the house."

That's good advice, according to Miller.

For more on identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

Visit AntiPhishing.org to learn more on phishing.