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Shocking VPN Scams: Don’t Fall for These Traps in 2025

  • By Farrukh Mushtaq

    Farrukh Mushtaq

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    Farrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.

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  • 3 January 2025
  • 9 mins read

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Not every VPN you see on ads and Google searches are safe! But most of us are gullible. VPN scams have evolved over time into sophisticated schemes designed to steal your personal information, compromise your devices, and drain your bank accounts. 

From deceptive marketing tactics to malware distribution, your data is at risk of theft! The guide highlights common VPN scams and offers actionable steps to protect yourself from deceptive VPN providers.

Top 8 Signs to Identify Scam VPN Service

We all want to protect our personal information from advertisers, hackers, and data brokers. Some of us use a VPN to unlock streaming services and watch our favorite shows. Scammers know this and exploit our needs by showing enticing discounted deals to steal our information and hard-earned money. 

Watch out for these red flags to avoid paying for an under par service and regretting it later:

1. Unrealistic Claims and Promises

  • Unbreakable Encryption: No encryption is truly unbreakable. Be wary of such claims.
  • Unlimited Bandwidth and Speed: While some VPNs offer generous limits, truly unlimited bandwidth is rare.

2. Suspicious Pricing and Deals

  • Lifetime Subscriptions for a Minimal Fee: These deals are often too good to be true.
  • Frequent and Excessive Discounts: Constant discounts can be a sign of a struggling or fraudulent service.

3. Poor Customer Support

  • A reliable VPN provider should offer timely and helpful customer support.
  • Difficulty in contacting support or unclear communication can be a red flag.

4. Inadequate Privacy Policy

  • A good privacy policy should be clear and easy to understand.
  • If the provider is not transparent about its data retention policies, it could be a scam.

5. Limited Server Network

  • A limited server network can impact performance and reliability.  
  • Servers located only in countries with weak privacy laws can compromise your privacy.  

6. Poor Performance and Frequent Disconnections

  • A reliable VPN should provide decent speeds and minimal latency.
  • Frequent disconnections can disrupt your online activities and compromise your security.

7. Suspicious Website and App Design

  • A poorly designed website with grammatical errors and outdated information is a red flag.
  • Avoid downloading VPN apps from untrusted sources.

8. Negative Reviews and Complaints

  • Check online forums and review websites for user feedback.
  • A lack of positive reviews from tech experts and cybersecurity professionals can be a concern.

5 Most Common VPN Scams 

As VPNs have become increasingly popular for online privacy and security, so too have the scams associated with them. Here are some of the most common VPN scams to watch out for:

1. Shady Free VPNs

Many free VPNs earn money by selling your data to advertising agencies or the highest bidders on dark web. Free VPNs have bandwidth caps, unstable speeds, and limited server locations, hindering their effectiveness. Some free VPNs may bundle malware or adware with their software, infecting your device.  

2. Fake VPN Apps

These apps may steal your personal information, install malware, or even hijack your device. These apps lack basic encryption and robust security, making you an easy target for cyberattacks.  

3. Cracked VPN Accounts

A cracked VPN lets you use a premium VPN for free. However, these cracked accounts are used through illegal means and compromise your online privacy. You may lose access to the account if the original owner changes the password. Cracked accounts can be compromised and are used to distribute malware. 

4. Misleading Marketing and False Claims

Some VPN providers make exaggerated claims to exploit user’s vulnerabilities. They may offer "lifetime deals" or "huge discounts" that are too good to be true.  

5. Phishing Attacks

Scammers may create fake websites that mirror legitimate VPN providers to steal your login credentials and payment information. They may also send fraudulent emails claiming to be from a VPN provider, fake domain names, and urgent email subject lines to trick you into clicking malicious links or downloading malware.

How to Protect Yourself from VPN Scams

Protecting yourself from malicious services requires common sense and informed decision-making. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Choose Reputable VPN

Research and choose a well-established VPN provider with a proven track record, such as PureVPN.

Get PureVPN
  1. Avoid Free VPNs

Opt for paid VPN services that prioritize user privacy and security.  

  1. Verify App Authenticity

Download VPN apps from official app stores and verify their developer information as they are authentic.  

  1. Be Wary of Suspicious Offers

Avoid deals that seem too good to be true like “Get Lifetime VPN Deal for $1” or “Pay $5 for two VPN subscriptions”.   

  1. Use Strong Passwords and 2FA

Protect your VPN account with strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How do you know if a VPN is legit?

    Plus

    To determine if a VPN is legitimate, look for well-established providers with positive reviews and a strong track record. Ensure they have a clear and comprehensive privacy policy, strong encryption protocols, and responsive customer support.

  • Has any VPN provider been caught for scams?

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    Yes, there have been instances where VPN providers have been involved in scandals, such as data breaches or theft. But, reputable providers with strong security measures and transparent policies are less likely to be involved in such activities.

  • Will I get hacked if I use a VPN?

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    Using a VPN can significantly reduce your risk of being hacked. It's still important to practice good online hygiene, use strong passwords, avoid suspicious links, and keep your software updated.

  • Can my information be shared on the dark web if I use a VPN?

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    A reputable VPN provider with a strict no-logs policy will not share your information with anyone. If you are using free VPNs, there are more chances your data will be illegally shared with anyone, and might end up on the dark web too.

  • Can I trust my VPN?

    Plus

    You can't guarantee complete trust but can increase your confidence by choosing a reputable provider with a strong privacy policy, transparent practices, and a good reputation. Consider using a VPN that has been audited by independent security firms, such as PureVPN.

  • Do VPNs spy on you?

    Plus

    Reputable VPN providers do not spy on their users. They are committed to protecting your privacy and will not collect or share your data.

Wrapping Up

VPN scams pose a serious threat to your online privacy and security. By understanding the common tactics used by scammers and implementing the recommended precautions, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these deceptive VPN providers. Stay vigilant and prioritize trusted VPNs for safe online experience.

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