Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

When to cut the neighbours internet connection off?

191 replies

Sammyham88 · 12/09/2018 01:01

New neighbours moved in across the hall from me yesterday. They knocked on to introduce themselves and ask if they could get the password for the wifi, their English was very broken and I'd just got out the shower so feeling a tad embarrassed being stood there with sopping wet hair and also not wanting to coming across rude on our first meeting just gave it to them..

However my connection is shite now, everything is taking ages to load or stream and I'm kinda worried that with our struggling to communicate properly they think the wifi is included like I've had in other buildings I've lived in before, really don't want to bring up this issue so soon when I've only just met them and given them the code.

AIBU to give it two weeks and then change the password and if they say anything respond by saying I'd have thought they'd probably have their own connection set up by now or should I stop being a wuss, give it a couple of days and then pop around to explain the situation? After having a complete arse living across from before I really don't want us to get off on the wrong foot

OP posts:
oldgimmer78 · 12/09/2018 07:29

OP I don't think they are CF's they probably assume it is included in the building. Tell them your connection is private (no need to say you don't feel comfortable) and you are changing the password. Tell them who your provider is and that you recommend them if you want to be friendly about it.

Tubie · 12/09/2018 07:32

I'd love you as my neighbour, I did the same when I moved in and have done the same foe new neighbours. Come join my friendly street! I don't believe that the vast majority of the world are out to do harm (they may do through ignorance)., but that's a chance you take. I like the fuzzyness of helping someone's day go better and usually it gets passed back if they are going to be a neighbour. It's not likely you will never see them again.

ApolloandDaphne · 12/09/2018 07:34

My goodness the hysteria on this thread. The only issue you have OP is the slow speed you are experiencing now. They can't steal anything from you by having your internet password. Just explain to them what is happening and that you need faster speed so they are going to have to stop using it and get their own internet connection installed.

SoupDragon · 12/09/2018 07:34

I think it sounds like they believe the WiFi is a shared network. Just explain that it’s your personal one and that you let them have the password for 24 hours as a gesture of goodwill.

Fresta · 12/09/2018 07:34

All this scare mongering about them getting access to your bank account and you getting the blame for them looking at illegal websites is crap. You download things to your device not your wifi- anyone investigating this would easily be able to discover who has looked at what. How on earth do places that offer public wifi access cope otherwise?

Still, disconnect them though.

Monty27 · 12/09/2018 07:35

You don't even know these people? Confused

afreshnewname · 12/09/2018 07:35

Did they come to your door while you where in a towel or did you go to theirs for a chat and see all their computer set up and games? I'm confused?

Windmillsinsummer · 12/09/2018 07:37

I would change the letter to say you have been contacted by your provider about the unusually high usage of net happening over the past 24hrs and that they have explain sharing passwords is illegal as your internet is capped.

calpop · 12/09/2018 07:41

ana18 people cannot get your banking passwords from using your wifi

Im sorry but that simply isn't true. Its not straightforward, admitedly, but it can and has been done using either network sniffers or the WindTalker method (www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.thewindowsclub.com/hacking-passwords-wifi-windtalker/amp). They are probably just using it for internet access but if they are CS students from eg China or Russia, then they could have enough technical knowledge to obtain your passwords remotely. Unlikely, but possible. Which is why your internet banking asks whether you are on a private network or not.

KERALA1 · 12/09/2018 07:44

Just turn it off no explanation required.

We did this on holiday Blush our flat had no wifi but a close address had an unsecured connection- was too tempting! Think it was a business. We minimised our use but v helpful for weather, recipes, excursions etc no wifi did my head in after a day

HairyWorm · 12/09/2018 07:44

They could be CFs or they could just be confused and think it's a shared connection.
I'd turn it off whilst i work out how to change the Wifi password. Then drop a quick note saying the connection they're using is your private Wi-Fi which isn't working because of the number of people using it. If they need internet access they will need to get their own.

If they knock on and try to negotiate use whilst they get a line installed and you don't feel confident in just saying 'I don't want you to use It', then you can use the excuse it doesn't work properly when everyone is using it.

You don't have to be overly nice, you can just be friendly and fair.
You don't need to be friends to be good neighbours.

Good luck

SpeedbirdFoxtrot · 12/09/2018 07:45

Oh bless you! You sound quite kind hearted. I’m wondering if their only experiences with accommodation over here is either student or NHS (like the pokey little rooms they let staff rent when they’re doing long hours). They might assume that WiFi is a given then.

But yes, a bit of a security risk. Maybe post a note detailing that it’s a private connection, it’s now running a bit slow and impacting your work, then details of sites where they can get their own. Maybe some info on BTFon too until their own connection is up? It’s truly shite if you want to watch videos or Skype people, but I’ve relied on it to get stuff done before when I’ve moved house. It’s probably better leaving a note to overcome languge barriers etc...they can spend a bit of time using a translator app if English is their second language. Good luck anyway!

ohbigdaddio · 12/09/2018 07:46

Sammyham88 this happened to me earlier this year! I also had wet hair!! Felt really awkward being put on the spot but didn't give the password. www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/3081933-Whats-your-Wi-Fi-password

grumiosmum · 12/09/2018 07:46

I agree with Emma765 and SoupDragon.

Its seems there was a misunderstanding and as they are students they assumed the WiFi was shared with other flats in the house.

You did not correct them at the time. But now Yyu simply need to clarify that point with them in a friendly polite way, and change your password. No need for anything else, other than a friendly greeting when you see them in passing.

NewPapaGuinea · 12/09/2018 07:46

Change the name of your network and make it private so only those that know the name of it can find it.

ivykaty44 · 12/09/2018 07:46

Switch the WiFi off this morning at the socket and go out

grumiosmum · 12/09/2018 07:48

Windmillsinsummer there's absolutely no need for the OP to tell lies.

Veganfortheanimals · 12/09/2018 07:50

Blimy op ..you sound like my friend who is medicated up to the eyeballs and very dippy because of it...they are taking advantage ,change your password immediately.dont sent a note ,don't invite them in...if you don't answer your door when they knock they will go elseswhere.do not invite them for tea.they are not your friends you owe them nothing.i think you need some assertiveness training / course...or counselling .speek to your gp ...unless ofcourse you are not normally a doormat???

LeftRightCentre · 12/09/2018 07:50

Get some boundaries. You felt awkward because you'd been in the shower? What? Were you naked? Don't open the door if you're that self-conscious about wet hair. No note. They're adults, they can figure out how to get internet Hmm. And why invite someone into your home when you don't want them there? Some people will take that at face value. Just change the password. They come over and you just tell them, 'It's private. You need to get your own.' No reason to overthink it all.

Rhondacross · 12/09/2018 07:50

It's like "cancel the cheque" isn't it? Change your password. Grin

Juells · 12/09/2018 07:53

as simply as possible explain why I don't feel comfortable them using my wifi.

I'd just look puzzled and shrug my shoulders if they are odd enough to ask. You don't have to give them an explanation. The more you explain the more embarrassed YOU become for not giving in to their unreasonable CFery.

ShirleyPhallus · 12/09/2018 07:55

Wow this thread got salty real quickly!

ZoeWashburne · 12/09/2018 07:56

staggers belief really. you cant get someone information by access their wifi - other wise I and eleventy billion others would be trawling through Starbucks accounts

Uhhh, thousands of people literally DO steal banking/personal information from starbucks unsecured wifi. It is really not hard at all. Please don't comment on something you literally have no idea about. It is a really, really common and easy way for identity theft.

Never EVER use an online service that isn't private without a VPN.

www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/saving/article-3746709/Why-public-wifi-hacker-s-playground-stealing-information.html

www.csoonline.com/article/3246984/wi-fi/why-you-should-never-ever-connect-to-public-wifi.html

wiseguys.co.uk/knowledge-base/33-starbucks-security-breach-and-the-risks-of-public-wifi

ShatnersWig · 12/09/2018 07:59

OP, would you have given them your PIN and your bank card details? Of course not. So why would you be so daft as to allow them access to your internet? I actually find it bizarre anyone would do this.

RollaCola84 · 12/09/2018 07:59

Maybe I'm just an anti social cow who thinks saying hi without breaking stride to neighbours is perfectly sufficient but why are you explaining and inviting for tea ??? Just change the password and if they ask say it's not a shared connection, I didn't mind helping out on your first day whilst you got yourself sorted out but you need to get your own. Then smile, shut the door and get on with your life !