VPN Scams – How to Identify and Avoid them?

What are VPN Scams? Can you actually trust your VPN service? That’s what you will find out in this blog. Keep reading to find out more about VPN Scams.

What Are VPN Scams? 

VPN scams are schemes designed to trick users into purchasing fraudulent or low-quality VPN services. These scams can take many forms, but they all share the same goal: to make money off unsuspecting users.

 One common type of VPN scam involves free or very cheap VPN services claiming high-quality privacy and security. In reality, these services often sell user data to third-party advertisers or are simply ineffective at protecting users’ privacy.

 Another type of VPN scam involves fake VPN services that are malware or viruses in disguise. These scams may be promoted through phishing emails or malicious websites. They often require users to download and install a software application that appears to be a legitimate VPN service but contains harmful code.

 To avoid falling victim to VPN scams, it is essential to do your research before choosing a VPN service. Look for reputable providers with a strong track record of providing reliable, secure, and private VPN services. Be wary of free or very cheap VPN services, and always use caution when downloading software from unknown sources.

 What Are the Most Popular VPN Scams?

VPN Scams can appear in different forms; however, below is a list of the most popular VPN scams used by Cybercriminals in 2024:

1. Lifetime VPN Subscriptions 

A “lifetime subscription VPN scam” typically involves a VPN provider offering users the option to purchase a lifetime subscription for a one-time fee. However, in most cases, these lifetime subscriptions are too good to be true and are often a scam.

 The problem with lifetime subscriptions is that VPN providers need a steady stream of revenue to maintain their services and infrastructure, making subscription management critical. By offering lifetime subscriptions, they are essentially giving up that revenue stream, which is not a sustainable business model. As a result, many of these providers will either shut down their services after a short period or provide poor-quality services that are not worth the initial investment.

 Furthermore, lifetime subscriptions often come with hidden restrictions, such as limited server access or bandwidth, which can significantly affect the quality of the service. In some cases, users may not even receive the service they paid for, as some providers will simply take the money and run.

 Therefore, it is crucial to research any VPN provider thoroughly before committing to a lifetime subscription. Check reviews and online forums to see other users’ experiences with the provider. Additionally, look for providers that offer reasonable subscription plans with transparent pricing and clear terms of service.

2. Fake VPN services

Fake VPN services are a type of online scam that aims to trick people into paying for a VPN service that is either non-existent or ineffective. These scams can be quite sophisticated, with scammers using a variety of tactics to make their fake VPN services appear legitimate.

One common tactic is to create a website that looks like a legitimate VPN provider, complete with a professional design and glowing reviews. The website may offer a free trial or a low-cost subscription, but once users sign up, they may find that the service does not work or that their personal information has been compromised.

Another tactic is to create a fake VPN app that users can download and install on their devices. These apps may claim to offer secure and anonymous browsing, but in reality, they may be collecting user data and transmitting it to third-party servers.

To avoid falling victim to a fake VPN service scam, it is important to do your research before signing up for any VPN service. Look for reviews from reputable sources, and check the provider’s credentials and privacy policy. 

3. Free VPN services

 Many free VPN services are available on the internet, and not all of them are scams. However, some of them may not be trustworthy and could potentially harm your privacy and security.

 Some of the risks associated with using a free VPN service include the following:

• Data collection: Many free VPN services collect user data, including browsing history, IP addresses, and other personal information. They may then sell this data to third-party advertisers or use it for their own purposes.
• Security vulnerabilities: Free VPN services may not have strong encryption protocols or may be susceptible to hacking and other security breaches.
• Limited server locations and bandwidth: Free VPN services often have limited server locations and bandwidth, which can result in slow speeds and restricted access to certain websites and services.
• Malware and other threats: Some free VPN services may contain malware or other harmful software that can infect your device and compromise your privacy and security. 

4. Malicious apps 

This one is the most dangerous VPN scam in 2024. Some apps masquerading as VPN services contain malware that infects your device, steals your data, or redirects your internet traffic to malicious websites, which can be quite detrimental to your online security.

5. Phishing scams

VPN phishing scams are a type of online scam where cybercriminals use fake VPN websites or apps to steal your personal information. Here’s how they work:

•  Fake VPN websites: Scammers create fake VPN websites that look legitimate. They may use similar logo design, colors, and layouts to trick you into thinking you are visiting a legitimate VPN provider. They may also use phishing emails, social media, or online ads to lure you into clicking on a link that leads to a fake website.
• Malware-infected apps: Scammers may create fake VPN apps that look like legitimate ones. They may use the same name, logo, and description as a legitimate app, but the app is actually malware-infected. Once you download and install the app, it can steal your personal information or even take control of your device. If you have no branding elements to apply, use a logo maker and other branding tools.

• Phishing emails: Scammers may send you phishing emails that appear to be from a legitimate VPN provider. The email may contain a link that leads to a fake VPN website or a malware-infected app. Once you enter your personal information on a fake website or download an app, scammers can steal your data.

6. False promises

Lastly, there are also VPN providers who make false promises about their service, such as claiming to provide complete anonymity online or claiming that their service can bypass government censorship, but in reality, they may not live up to these claims.

How to Identify and Avoid VPN Scams?

Here are the tips for identifying VPN Scams easily:

• Be wary of free VPN services: If a VPN service offers a free version, you should be skeptical. They could be using the service to collect data or inject ads into your browsing.
• Check for a valid privacy policy: Make sure the VPN provider has a clearly written privacy policy that outlines how they handle your data.
• Research the company: Look up the company and see what other users say about their service. Check reviews and ratings on reputable sites like Trustpilot or Reddit.
• Check for secure connections: Verify that the VPN uses secure encryption protocols to protect your data.
• Be cautious of deals that sound too good to be true: If the VPN provider offers a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t fall for scams that offer lifetime subscriptions or huge discounts.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links: If you receive an unsolicited email or message promoting a VPN, be careful not to click on any links. Instead, visit the provider’s website directly to verify the information.
• Check for a money-back guarantee: Look for a VPN that offers a money-back guarantee so you can test the service and get a refund if it doesn’t meet your expectations.

It’s essential to research and be careful when choosing a VPN provider. Don’t trust a company that seems too good to be true or that you’re unsure about. iProVPN is a good choice to get started. It is based in a privacy-friendly location and offers a 15-day money-back guarantee for all its plans.

Conclusion – VPN Scams

In conclusion, it is crucial to be cautious and research when selecting a VPN service to avoid falling victim to scams. Look for a reputable provider with transparent policies and robust security features, and avoid free or suspiciously cheap VPN services. Taking these precautions can protect your online privacy and security with a reliable VPN service, just like iProVPN.