With the increasing clamor for online security and secrecy, fakeminuteVPNs spring up by the , all promising 100% confidentiality, security, and safety. Unfortunately, many of these features are scams or, at finest, bogus claims. as a matter of fact They are misleading and only aim to dispossess you of your money, personal information (which is then sold to advertising companies, thereby exposing you to all sorts of online danger), and many other things.
How do avoid spot these scams and you them? That’s precisely what we will be discussing in this article. So, come along as we delve deep and discover 11 common scams of VPN in 2024 (and tohowavoid them). Let’s begin!
Scams that VPN does – Quick list
Scams in the VPN industry
The following are some of the mostly commonly seen and poorest scams we’ve noticed in the VPN niche that you should always look out for:
Scam #1: Free VPNs
An old saying goes, ‘there is no free meal in Freetown.’ This is especially true for VPNs. ComplimentaryamongVPNs are the most dangerous and common scamsIn fact, Unfortunately, many are focused on theignoringcatchy word “complimentary,” the dangers in as a matter of fact it. to watch for asthey go against everything a VPN is supposed to be.
While it’s true that cybersecurity is not 100% assured, there’s peace in knowing that companies have more to lose when they trade, log or employ your information. Unfortunately, this is precisely what complimentary VPNs do; they collect your data and market them off as a matter of fact to third-party agents for their benefit.
Like Facebook, Gmail, and other no cost services and products, no cost VPNs are just another way companies make cash off your private information. Forthese companies, data collection is their primary business model.
Example: VPN Master-Free VPN Proxyisis a free VPN and on Google Play StoreAs you mayknow , . It has a of rating high 4.6 and approximately 100 000 downloads. Before instantlyVPNone would observe that the , has lots of free malware. This is no longeronthe case, though, as a recent check done VirusTotal shows the VPN is no cost from all malware. This goes to tell you that you should never fully trust Google Play and Apple Store ratings.
Complimentary VPNs are also known more than ever for the following:
- They direct users to ads
- They track and log online traffic data, selling them off to third parties.
- They do not do the job of encrypting your data (even if they say they do)
- Free VPNs inject malware, spyware, and so on into their client’s devices to monitor their online activities.
- They steal bandwidths and resell them to third parties
Scam #2: Look out for fake VPNs
With the growing popularity of VPNs, fake versions are also springing up like weeds. Indeed, These are not as a matter of fact VPNs but rather VPN subscriptionssold by these scammers to unsuspecting users. One of such counterfeit VPNs is MySafeVPN (and lots more).
a define We fake VPN as one that goes against privacy and security. An illustration do Hola VPN; this VPN uses its customers’ devices to produce a botnet, a capability that allows others to ride off their online bandwidth freely; they is this without customers’ knowledge.
These fake VPNs often promise to make you ‘anonymous’ with their software; this is usually a lie. Interestingly, Sometimes they go a step further to inject spyware, malware, or ads into your information or offer off your information to third parties. only want yourTheycurrency. A way to avoid being a victim of fake VPNs is to prevent recent VPN services with unproven follow records or have a history of good effectiveness and help.
The best VPNsIn fact, have a transparent system; they communicate their goals, the location they operate, and the type from another perspective of security they provide. you may know, So, ensure you carry out proper research before opting for a VPN, peruse through theAsterms of services, as well as the confidentiality rule.
Scam #3: VPN lifetimesubscriptions
VPNs that offer lifetime subscriptions are red flags; avoid them at all costs. Operating a encrypted, , and guarded networkquickof global VPN servers with good apps and strong assist is no child’s play; it’s costly and has recurring costs. , Given this high cost of operation, how can aActuallyVPN offer a ‘lifetime plan’?
Indeed, Take, for instance, the graphics obtained from Deals; they used to offer a lifetime VPN plan to Windscribe VPN for a mere $49, with the original priceGdgtgoing for just $900.The price is meager, so much so that there had to be a catch, as a matter of fact and there was. Buttothat too has been fixed, thanks to all the articles that called their attention it. Here’s what their updated online platform looks like:
For instances like this, here are some of the theories we came up with:
- These cheap or ‘free’ VPN services collect customer data and sell them off to advertisers and third parties. This business model is popular and lucrative.
- The VPN redirects your browser to third-party sites or bombards you with ads and then gains commissions for their sales.
- The ‘lifetime subscription’ is just a faux. The VPN provider will cancel the subscription after a year or so.
- The VPN is just like a Ponzi scheme; it requires an ever-growing list of subscribers to remain active until it eventually collapses like a pack of cards.
Usually, the ‘lifetime’ refers to the lifetime of the VPN company and notthat of the customer. Actually, Once the firm sells its lifetime subscriptions, they themselves out, shut down the business, and disappear intopaythin air.
An illustration is more than ever VPNLand, a company no longer in existence as of today. Some VPN companies abort all the ‘lifetime subscriptions’ and convert the accounts into recurring paid subscriptions.
A user who the to complained company got the following response:
“Just FYI, A ‘lifetime’ account does not mean it will be valid till someone dies. It could be anyone’s lifetime-such as a cat or lifespan of the hardware.”
The above ; is just an instance of the cruelty users are subjected tostatementdon’t fall a victim, avoid VPN field scams.
Scam #4: Dubious complimentary VPN as it turns out apps
Recently, news making the rounds that it had no cost VPN apps on Google Play Store deliver Generally, free VPN apps have problematic security and features confidentiality.financial malware to unsuspecting usersAs , . may knowyou While this is Play true for every VPN software, most complimentary VPN apps found on Apple or Google not Store are insecure and from another perspective dangerous to employ.
A staff of researchers had this to say about the complimentary AndroidVPN program:
- 16% of VPN apps steal their customers’ bandwidth
- 18% do not encrypt data
- 38% of these apps contain malware (spyware, riskware, malvertising, and trojans) used to monitor, steal or damage your data
- 74% engage in third-party tracking
- 82% attempt to get sensitive information of users (user’s text messages or accounts)
- 84% leaks their customers actual IP address
Quit observation at increasing VPN software scams reveals that many of these mal-infested apps have high ratings. In fact, This means that millionspeopleof unsuspecting are using VPN filled with tracking and malware. In fact, This is VPN so for complimentary more apps. As you may know, Hence, we advise you avoid as a matter of fact shady without charge VPN apps.
Scam #5: Faulty features and unsubstantiated claims
Scammy VPN providers often makeclaimsbogus . A typical example of this include:
- There are no logs: Many VPN providers claim their VPNs contain ‘no logs’ only to discover that they disclose information collected. PureVPN and Betternet VPNs are examples of VPN providers with such claims. We advise users always to read and understand the privacy policy of any VPN they wish to subscribe to.
- Fastest VPN: This is another bogus claim that many VPNs make. Many of these VPNs have nothing more than mediocre speeds, and this is usually because their servers have many users per time lured by the same ‘fastest VPN’ claim.
- No IP address Leaks: Many VPNs claim to have robust IP leak protection features, but upon use, you will discover these features don’t work. One way to determine if the features do work is to run a series of VPN checks and tests.
When scouting for a VPN to subscribe to, ensure your scam radar is on high notification; read through the claims and features of the VPN portal before making a decision.
It’s worth #noting that Scam 6: Questionable pricing regulation
AvoidrequireVPNs that you to pay a huge sum of money or one that requires nothing from youThe app claimed they charged users $0.99/week for its premium offering; they also made many other bogus claims. . Interestingly, When reviewing pricing, ensure you know when you are to pay as well as how much in real. Some time ago, about 200 customers fell in modern times for a $400/month VPN solution fee in a scandal with ‘Cellphone protection: Clean & Security VPN’ (did you observe the typo error in the title?).
Aside from the pricing issue, the goods description has many grammar mistakes, which should in modern times immediately warning observant users to the solution’s ingenuity. Despite its unsuitability, about 50,000 people downloaded the app before it was finally retired.
Before subscribing to a VPN offering, ensure it’s real, and determine how much it costs. Interestingly, Most genuine VPNs charge monthly or bi-annually; will rarely locate an honestyouVPN solution that changes weekly. Actually40On average, a genuine VPN platform costs between $, to $99/year.
Scam #7: , reviewsFakecomments and testimonials
Most reviewsof recent VPN services are not organic. It’s worth noting that They are mostly fake reviews written by the VPN providers to tell you how fantastic a VPN is. Below is an sample of a company whose assessment website and corporation are the same:
The corporation J2 Global is a subsidiary of its parent firm PCMag. As you may know It seems, they always recommend IPVanish in the list of their ‘leading VPN’ guides, a trend that we noticed in, 2017. They acquireIPVanishup VPNs, and StrongVPN are a in modern times couple of them. PCMag is well known to publish digital text; they as a matter of fact also own lots of VPN websites. Therefore, it’s no mere coincidence that IPVanish is often among its recommended VPNs.
Not too long ago, in March 2021, Kape Technologiesmediaacquired Webselenese, a security and secrecy material specialist . This group operates both Wizcase and vpnMentor, two of . most popular VPN and digital security blogs todaythe For those unaware, Kape also owns Private Internet AccessAs you may from another perspective know, , Zenmate, and CyberGhost VPN.
While amid these acquisitions, the firms keep saying that editorial independence would remain more than ever the same — that mostly is not the case. Indeed, In this sample, Kape Technologies bought Webselenese for a whopping $150m. Now if someone comes and tells after a $150m investment, the buyer wouldn’t interfere with the more than ever business affairs of a article, it would be hard for anybody to believe that.
Asides from fake reviews, it appears some people pay commenters to publish how great a VPN is, mainly when a user publishes a negative reviewActually, . All of this indicates that not all reviews are genuine; therefore, be careful of all online contents, including:
- Comments
- Testimonials
- Reviews
Bear in mind that most ‘reviews’ aren’t based on real testing; these reviews are nothing but marketing jingles, albeit paid ones.
Scam #8: Third-party sales sites
Interestingly, Recently, there has been a surge in the market demand for third parties who trade lifetime subscriptions. Despite their popularity, we advise you to avoid these middlemen at all costs. We suggest this because they often raise some questions, including:
- Why should a VPN service partner with a third-party site to offer lifetime subscriptions or sales?
- Why should I trust a third-party sales site with my data and banking information?
We observed this with are review but Winscribe glad they no longer sell this type of subscriptions. As may you know, So, it’s most effective to avoid third-party websites and intermediaries. If you wish to obtain a package, then do so directly from the VPN company.
We have seen VPN providers that stop all their lifetime subscriptions that users bought through third partiesWhen these users complain, neither the third party nor the VPN business takes responsibility. .
It’s worth noting that Scam #9: Unsecure VPN websites
It s crucial’that when deciding on the VPN to go for, you peruse through the article description to verify thatthe services advertised are genuine and authentic. From the illustration given in Scam#6 above where we mentioned “Mobile protection: Clean & Security VPN,” the solution claims had phrases like “duplicate contacts” and “instantly employ smart anti-virus.”
How this escaped Apple we do not know, nor do we understand how it its it to made list of VPN apps. But even after as it turns out deleting . software, many other VPN apps remainthe Those fishy VPN apps immediately are only more careful with the words they draft.
A way to determine a VPN s standard and distinguish it from a scam is its’security features.
from another perspective instance, MySafeVPN isFora sham VPN provider with no HTTPS security, only HTTP. is difference The that while HTTPS encrypts data, HTTP does notIf aofferingVPN site is not safe, there is no guarantee the will be safe. ; this seemingly unimportant factor, when taken into consideration, can you frompreservescams in the VPN in modern times industry.
It’s worth noting that If a VPN claims to have military-grade security and secrecy but does not even have HTTPs its online platform, you can be sure they are lying.
In fact, Scam # : VPNs that10require too much private information
Astrill, a popular VPN service, requires its customers to authenticate using their address and phone number. Look out for VPNs that require you to reveal a lot of private information. Ignore VPNs that require this of you, as VPNs are not supposed to require your identity.before using their services
Bottom as a matter of fact Line: VPN providers that accept Bitcoin as a document of payment should be considered as this further distances you from your profile.
Scam #11: Inactive VPNs
There are some disconnected in modern times oralsodead VPNsIn fact, whose sites still inareoperation. This means that although the service no longer functions, you can still buy or subscribe to it.
An example of this is EarthVPN. The VPN is service officially dead, but the site in modern times is still in operation. It has all itsmarketing features and the checkout process too. Interestingly, Users can find deals for subscriptions if they google them, while some evaluation websites still have links to the VPN’s subscriptions.
However, its customer reviewsIt’s worth noting that reveal thatthe servers are no longer active, and no one responds to the help tickets. Hence, it’s most likely the platform went off the radar silently. They probably refused to come clean because the money keeps rolling in, and they didn’t want it to stop.
As you may know, You won’t be getting any VPN service nor a refund either as there isn’t anyone in the firm to process, acknowledge or refund it. Besides, more than ever insecure web page will have your payment detailsanto make things worse. If you subscribe to a dead VPN, you can be sure your currency is gone.
How to avoid thesescams
The following tips ensure will you know how to avoid scams of VPN providers:
- Do not readily give out your email and personal information
- Never respond to emails referring to your financial or bank profile
- Beware of popup ads
- If you have the slightest doubt, don’t go ahead with the VPN subscription
- Avoid free VPNs
- Deal with your VPN provider directly (no third-party)
- Never opt for VPNs with life subscriptions
- Watch out for the provider’s country of origin
- Read through the privacy policy and terms of service
- Avoid VPNs without an anonymous payment platform
- Beware of VPNs with security breaches
- Avoid VPNs with no known reputation
Is it ever dangerous in modern times to employ a VPN?
VPN reasons are becoming popular in recent times, and for good services.A reliable VPN can be a secure and safe way to surf the net. Many secrecy-driven users apply them prevent to monitoring by government agencies, corporations, and advertising from another perspective firms. In fact, However, the danger comes in using complimentary, unreliable VPNs; they are untrustworthy and thus dangerous.
VPNs (Virtual Private Network) protect individuals and organizations by creating a private browsing session. You need it even more when using public WiFi, such as librariespubliccafes, restaurants, and other , domains, to prevent other people from accessing your online traffic facts. A VPN creates a safe channel between the end-user’s device and the VPN server; this hide’s the user’s browsing activities and location.
Also, with VPNs, users can securely guard their online privacy to prevent ISPs (internet service providers) from monitoring their online activity. In fact, That becomes possible because after connecting the user’s device to the VPN server, the VPN bypasses the end-user’s IP address, hides the cyberspace information, and makes it difficult for mischievous people to access the end-user’s information.
So, in essence, VPN a caliber using can never be dangerous to you. It instead will assist you stay encrypted online and enjoy the cyberspace at the fullest.
Infamous VPNs that you shouldn’t confidence
Many are so dangerous that you are better off not using any at all. Here are somethoseof VPNs you should not faith. There’s no . that VPNs are a must for better privacy in today’s worlddoubt However, not all VPNs are worth it.
more than ever 1. from another perspective HideMyAss
Actually, We it to call prefer “reveal my ass.” Yes, this VPN is compatible with iOS as it turns out , Android, Linux, PC, Mac, and routers and unblocks restricted websites (one of the key functions of a VPN). BUT it does this atalla cost. VPNs have the primary responsibilitytheirto protect customers’ details, but HideMyAss does the exact opposite.
When pressured, clients give out their they’ information. This was the case in 2011 with a man namedCody Kretsinger. Private online facts was provided by HideMyAss when the police demanded it, an act that eventually led to his arrest, prosecution, and jail.
2. Hola
Hola is another VPN you should not confidence. In 2015, reporters found the VPN offering doing what no other VPN service ever considered doing. They converted their customers’ PCs into ‘exit nodes,’ allowing other users to route their information through the. from another perspective node And they didn’t stop there. Instead, Hola went further to offer the bandwidth to third-party agents. Interestingly, It is a clear violation of everything a VPN stands for. Interestingly, Therefore, we advise it avoid you at all costs.
In fact, 3. HotSpot Shield
A research paper published in 2016 accused Hotspot Shield of “Introducing JavaScript codes” and also “redirecting e-commerce traffic information to affiliating domains.” Again, in 2017As you may knowShielda private group accused Hotspot , , of capturing and redirecting website traffic to affiliate websites, including advertising as it turns out firms.
4. PureVPN
In 2017, the FBI arrested a man accused of stalkinganother person; this was possible through information on his online activity obtained via PureVPN services. Although PureVPN claims it does not log information, this moretolikely is a lie as they could produce enough evidence identify the accused while cooperating with the FBI.
5. VPNSecure
First, VPNSecure has its base in Australia, a “Five EyesIn 2016, a research paper discovered ” country the government and others closely monitorwhereusers’ online activities.DNS and IP leaks with the VPN system. Actually, Also, it features “egress points,” “which have similar traits with exit nodes” present in Hola VPN.
The paper had its suspicions (unconfirmed suspicions) that the firm uses its customers’ bandwidth in modern times without their knowledge. While our security squad couldn’t approve it, if you want to stay protected, it’s finest to stay from thisawayprovider.
6. Opera complimentary VPN
In 2016, Opera browser brought in a ‘gratis unlimited VPN” and made it availableto all users. However, despite the name, Opera gratis VPN is not a VPN the in word’s true sense; it is more like a website proxy. It collects users’ data that they are likely to share with third parties (there is no evidence to lay a claim yet, though).
Facebook Onavo VPN 7.
In the first part of 2018, Facebook revealed an in-built ‘protect’ capability for all mobile apps. the reality, it was nothing moreInthan Onavo VPN, aVPN program that Facebook acquired far return in 2013.
However, regardless of its effectiveness in protecting users, there’s a catch; Onavo collects their customers’ cyberspace facts and then uses it to make Facebook better. In fact, They utilize this data toimprovegain insight into what the people want and then their products and services. This is commendable, only that the details collected are without the customer’s knowledge, and who is to say they ’t passwonit on to advertising firms and third-party services?
8. Zenmate
In 2018andZenmate, PureVPN, , HotSpot Shield were found leakingHence, to be on the trusted side, we advise you avoid the VPN altogether. It’s worth noting that the real IP addresses of users. It’s worth noting that Although Zenmate became aware of this, they were very from another perspective slow to respond. Meaning, when you employ the online with a link to Zenmate, your identity and data could leak.
