Kena Paul In 2024, VPN scams have surged, becoming a significant threat to online security. Reports indicate a 40% increase in such scams compared to 2023. Fraudsters exploit the growing demand for privacy, offering fake VPN services that steal personal data. According to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, there have been over 1.5 million cases of phishing attacks disguised as VPN services in the first half of 2024 alone. These scams often involve malicious software disguised as legitimate VPN apps, downloaded by unsuspecting users. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has received more than 100,000 complaints about VPN-related fraud this year, a sharp rise from 70,000 last year. Victims typically lose between $50 to $200 in subscription fees and face potential identity theft. Cybersecurity experts warn that many of these fake VPNs originate from countries with lax regulatory oversight, making prosecution difficult. Users are advised to verify VPN providers through reviews and ensure they use reputable services.
10 Popular VPN Scams in 2024
Let’s take a look at the 10 popular VPN scams in 2024 and how the scammers operate.
1. Fake VPN Apps
Fake VPN apps often mimic legitimate services and appear in official app stores, making them seem credible. Once installed, these apps may fail to provide any VPN functionality, steal personal data, or inject malware into your device. In 2023, a study found that over 60% of free VPN apps on the Google Play Store had significant privacy flaws or were potentially malicious​. To avoid falling victim to this scam, download VPN apps only from reputable sources and verify the developer’s information and user reviews.
2. Lifetime Subscription Scams
Lifetime subscription offers can be enticing due to their low prices, but they often come with hidden risks. Many services offering lifetime subscriptions disappear after a short period or fail to deliver the promised service quality. Reports from cybersecurity forums indicate a surge in such scams, with users complaining about services vanishing after a year or less​​. Be skeptical of lifetime deals and opt for established VPN providers with transparent and reasonable subscription models.
3. Free VPNs with Hidden Costs
While free VPNs might seem attractive, they often monetize by selling user data, displaying ads, or injecting malware. A study by CSIRO found that 38% of free Android VPNs contained malware, and 84% leaked user traffic​. These hidden costs compromise your privacy and security. To avoid this, use free VPNs only from reputable companies that offer them as trials for their paid services and always read their privacy policies to understand data usage.
4. VPN Reseller Scams
Some scammers create websites to resell legitimate VPN services at discounted rates. These sites often disappear after taking your money or provide outdated or invalid credentials. In 2023, several well-known VPN providers reported increased incidents of unauthorized reselling and subsequent customer complaints about non-functional accounts​​. Purchase VPN subscriptions directly from the official VPN provider’s website to avoid such scams.
5. Phishing Emails Promoting VPN Services
Phishing emails claim to offer deals on popular VPN services but lead to fake websites designed to steal your payment information. According to a report by PhishLabs, there was a 29% increase in phishing attacks targeting VPN users in 2023​​. Verify the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails. Instead, go directly to the VPN provider’s official website to check for promotions.
6. Fake Reviews and Endorsements
Some VPN services use fake reviews and endorsements to appear more credible. These can include paid reviews, fake testimonials, and fabricated ratings on app stores. Research by Which? revealed that many VPN reviews online are either fake or paid for, misleading consumers​. Look for reviews from multiple trusted sources and cross-check the information before making a decision.
Suggested reading: Risks of Using Free VPN Services – Why Google Removed these VPN Apps?
7. Data Logging Claims
Some VPNs falsely claim to have a no-logs policy while actually keeping detailed records of your online activity. These logs can be sold to third parties or handed over to authorities. A study by VPNpro found that 26 of the top 97 VPN services had unclear logging policies, potentially putting user data at risk​​. Choose VPNs that have undergone independent audits verifying their no-logs policy and ensure transparency in their logging practices.
8. Unsecured VPNs
Unsecured VPNs do not use proper encryption methods, leaving your data vulnerable to interception. These VPNs may still charge you for a service that doesn’t protect your privacy. According to a study by Top10VPN, about 18% of the most popular free VPN apps lacked basic security features such as encryption​​. Ensure the VPN uses strong encryption standards like AES-256 and check for additional security features like DNS leak protection and a kill switch.
9. Scam VPN Extensions
Browser extensions posing as VPNs can access your entire browsing activity and log or manipulate your data. In 2023, Google removed over 100 malicious Chrome extensions from the Web Store, many of which were masquerading as VPNs​. Use browser extensions from reputable VPN providers and verify the developer and user reviews before installing.
10. VPN Ponzi Schemes
Some VPN services operate like Ponzi schemes, using new user payments to fund refunds and payouts to earlier users. These schemes collapse once user growth stalls, leaving subscribers without service. Reports of VPN services offering unsustainable referral bonuses and rewards, classic signs of Ponzi schemes, have increased​​. Avoid VPNs that promise unsustainable returns or rewards for referring new users and stick to well-established providers with a proven track record.
10 Tips to Identify a VPN Scam
VPN scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it essential to know how to spot them. Here are ten tips to help you identify a VPN scam:
1. Check for Unrealistic Pricing
Scammers often lure users with offers that seem too good to be true, such as lifetime subscriptions for a few dollars. Legitimate VPN services generally have more realistic pricing models.
Tip: Compare the pricing with well-known VPN services to gauge its legitimacy.
2. Verify the Developer
For VPN apps, always check the developer’s name and history. Reputable developers have a history of reliable apps and good user feedback.
Tip: Research the developer online and look for other apps they have created.
3. Read the Privacy Policy
Legitimate VPNs have clear and detailed privacy policies explaining what data they collect and how they use it. Scams often have vague or nonexistent policies.
Tip: Look for privacy policies that explicitly state they do not log your data.
4. Look for Independent Audits
Reputable VPN services often undergo independent security audits to verify their claims about privacy and security. Scammers typically avoid such scrutiny.
Tip: Check if the VPN has been audited by a third party and look for the audit results online.
5. Check for a No-Logs Policy
A genuine no-logs policy means the VPN does not store any information about your online activities. Scam VPNs may falsely claim to have this policy while actually logging data.
Tip: Research if the VPN’s no-logs policy has been independently verified or tested in legal scenarios.
6. Assess Customer Reviews
Fake VPNs may use paid reviews to inflate their ratings. Authentic reviews typically discuss both pros and cons of the service.
Tip: Look for reviews on multiple platforms, including tech forums and independent review sites.
7. Examine Customer Support
Scam VPNs often have poor customer support, or none at all. Legitimate VPNs provide multiple channels for customer support, including live chat, email, and phone support.
Tip: Try reaching out to customer support before purchasing and evaluate their responsiveness and helpfulness.
8. Check for Secure Payment Methods
Scammers might use insecure or suspicious payment methods. Reputable VPNs offer secure payment options and provide clear, transparent billing practices.
Tip: Ensure the VPN accepts secure and well-known payment methods like credit cards or PayPal.
9. Look for Physical Address and Company Information
Reputable VPN providers usually list their physical address and company details on their website. Scammers often hide this information.
Tip: Verify the company’s physical address and look up their business registration information.
10. Beware of Aggressive Marketing Tactics
Scam VPNs often use aggressive marketing tactics like constant pop-up ads or urgent warnings about your security to push you into buying their service.
Tip: Be cautious of VPNs that heavily rely on fear-based marketing tactics and do thorough research before committing.
