Common VPN scams and how to avoid them

Common VPN scams usually hide in plain sight. Some pose as trusted apps, while others make unrealistic promises or demand personal info they don’t need. These schemes mostly target users who are in a hurry or unfamiliar with how VPNs actually work, making it easy to fall for something that looks trustworthy.

This guide covers what makes some VPN services seem like scams, how to recognize the most common ones, and what steps you can take to stay safe. You’ll learn why certain offers don’t hold up, how scammers use scare tactics, and what red flags to watch for.

Are VPN services a scam?

VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks) themselves aren’t scams, but the way they’re advertised often makes people think they are. If you’ve seen a YouTuber say a VPN will “protect you from all hackers,” you’d be right to feel suspicious.

A lot of what gets advertised is technically true, but it’s exaggerated to sound scarier or simpler than it really is. Yes, a VPN can hide your IP and encrypt your traffic, which stops your ISP or network admin from snooping and helps you stay private on public Wi-Fi. They can also help you bypass censorship in countries like China, Russia, and so on.

However, a VPN is not a magic shield. It won’t block every kind of tracking or make you fully anonymous. The trick is knowing what a VPN actually does, and avoiding those that promise more than any app can realistically deliver. We’ll go over that in more detail later.

What are the most common VPN scams?

VPN scams come in a lot of forms, and not all of them are obvious. Some try to trick you with flashy deals or fake apps, while others quietly collect your data or leave your connection exposed. Here’s what to watch out for before you download or subscribe.

1. Fake or copycat VPN apps

With instances of AI scams at an all-time high, it’s easy for cybercriminals to build convincing-looking websites for a non-existent VPN. The most thorough of fraudsters may even create terms of service and privacy policy pages to make the whole operation seem legit.

Some don’t bother and instead build apps that mimic well-established VPNs to lure in unsuspecting shoppers. Scammers often target the best VPN services with copycat apps, as their popularity attracts the most users. A quick Google search for terms like “NordVPN imitation scam” or “fake ExpressVPN apps” shows just how common this problem is.

No matter the approach, the app you download ends up being dangerous malware that can steal your logins, payment info, and other sensitive data. Or, they could turn your device into a “zombie” for a botnet and use it in DDoS attacks or for other malicious purposes.

2. Lifetime VPN subscriptions

A “lifetime” VPN deal sounds too good to be true, and most of the time it is. These services usually disappear after a few months or quietly sell your data to stay afloat. No company can run secure servers forever on a one-time payment.

In fact, these offers usually hide in the fine print that the “lifetime” refers to the service’s lifespan, not yours. Once the company folds or rebrands, your access vanishes with it—leaving you without support, updates, or the privacy you thought you paid for.

Legit VPNs need ongoing revenue to maintain their networks, update security, or offer proper customer support channels. If a provider offers endless access for a few bucks, assume there’s a catch. It’s safer to pay for a reputable VPN with real support and a proven track record.

3. Scammy free VPNs

Free VPNs still have to make money, and many do it by tracking your activity or selling your data. Others flood you with ads, slow your connection, or offer barely any protection due to missing encryption or leakproofing. You end up giving away more than you save.

Naturally, that’s not to say there aren’t any trustworthy ones out there. But if you’re looking for a temporary solution before settling on a decent provider, a free trial VPN may be more up your alley. Basically, you get all the benefits of a premium VPN with none of the downsides.

4. Intrusive or deceptive logging policies

Some VPNs log way more data than they admit. Even if the homepage says “no logs VPN”, buried policies might reveal they track IPs, timestamps, or websites visited. That info can be sold, leaked, or handed over if a government agency comes asking.

One example is when UFO VPN claimed it kept zero logs, yet our researchers later uncovered an exposed database with millions of user records. These files included IP addresses, account credentials, and connection info.

So aside from reading the privacy policy carefully, you should also look for independent audits or outside verification. Keep an eye out for where the VPN is based, too. If it’s in a 5, 9, or 14 Eyes country, your data can be shared among international intelligence alliances.

A VPN’s job is to keep your data private, not keep a record of everything you do online. If their terms feel vague or confusing, you’re better off looking elsewhere.

5. VPNs that ask for sensitive data to sign up

Be cautious with VPNs that ask for your full name, ID, or other personal details during sign-up. Most trustworthy services only need an email and a payment method. Anything more puts you at risk, especially if the company isn’t transparent.

Some VPNs let you pay by gift card, while other VPNs allow Bitcoin payments, or even mailing cash if you’re not comfortable sharing credit card details. Point being, you should be cautious of any provider that doesn’t respect your privacy.

6. Exaggerated claims

Common VPN scams love to promise impossible results: total anonymity, faster speeds, or unbeatable security with no technical details. These claims sound good, but hide the truth:

No VPN can make you completely invisible online

At least, not on its own. To get anywhere near “true anonymity,” you need to take steps to:

• Make your VPN undetectable.
• Regularly clear your browser cookies.
• Use tools like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger to stop tracking pixels.
• Learn how to protect yourself from browser fingerprinting.

Even with all these tools and guides, complete online anonymity is more of an ideal than a reality. If you’re aiming for total invisibility, the only real way to get close is to stay offline entirely—which, for most people, just isn’t realistic.

VPNs won’t improve your connection speed

In fact, even the fastest VPNs will slow down your speeds somewhat due to encryption overhead and passing your data through distant servers. However, they can help you stabilize your connection in some specific circumstances.

This includes helping you bypass ISP throttling by encrypting your traffic or routing your data through a different path to avoid faulty network nodes. The latter can improve consistency during video calls, fix high packet loss on Xbox, and solve other connectivity issues.

It can also help if you switch to a more stable protocol like OpenVPN TCP, which resends lost packets and keeps your connection steady on unstable Wi-Fi or mobile data.

“Military-grade” security means nothing without context

Buzzwordy marketing is all fine and dandy (you have to pull in users somehow), but VPNs need to back up their claims. That means real protocol info (like AES-256 with OpenVPN), independent audits, and clear explanations of how your data is handled. If a service just throws out flashy terms without showing receipts, that’s not security, it’s just noise.

7. VPNs with poor security

Speaking of security, you may come across VPNs that don’t actually encrypt your traffic or leak your IP address due to a lack of DNS/WebRTC leak protection. In essence, they’re nothing more than a glorified proxy that offers next to no protection.

Others may use outdated protocols like PPTP, which can be cracked in minutes. It’s best to stick with providers that use secure protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard—or in-house equivalents like NordVPN’s NordLynx.

In some cases, scammers won’t even bother to secure their website with HTTPS. Hackers can intercept or alter any data you input on HTTP-only pages, so always make sure you see that padlock icon in your browser address bar.

8. “Critical threat” VPN scam

One of the most common VPN scams on iPhone. When you visit sketchy websites (such as those that advertise free movies), you may get suspicious pop-up messages that mimic iOS system prompts.

These pop-ups use language like “Critical threat! Your IP is exposed! Install iOS VPN app for FREE to prevent damage to your device.” They create a sense of urgency and promise a “free” solution to get you to install adware and bombard you with ads, or malware that steals your passwords.

Such prompts usually have poor grammar (e.g, “safe your Apple immediately!”). Although with easy access to AI tools, fraudsters can finally proofread their scams.

9. Misleading reviews, awards, and testimonials

Scam VPNs often pad their sites with fake reviews, bogus awards, and staged user quotes. These are meant to create fake credibility and hide the lack of real users. Don’t trust shiny badges or five-star ratings without proof.

Instead, look for verified third-party reviews or coverage from trusted sources. If every testimonial sounds identical or too polished, it’s likely fake. Genuine feedback always has a mix of pros, cons, and specific details.

10. Stolen VPN logins

If you buy a cheap “premium” VPN account from a reseller, there’s a good chance it was stolen. These cracked logins tend to come from hacked databases or phishing scams, and they stop working once the real user resets their password.

It’s also common for VPN scam sites to push supposed “cracked installers” alongside stolen credentials, which always runs the risk of being malware in disguise. In the end, you’re better off not using a VPN at all instead of risking your data for a slightly cheaper price.

11. Fake job VPN scams

Scammers have started posting fake job listings to trick applicants into downloading malware disguised as a “corporate VPN.” These listings typically appear on platforms like LinkedIn under the names of real or made-up companies.

You can recognize the scam because they usually ask you to apply by email instead of through LinkedIn or a legitimate company website.

Multiple Reddit users mentioned having to download the supposed VPN from shady domains like corporate-crm.org. The presence of the same malware link across listings from different “companies” suggests this was a coordinated scam.

Never download suspicious files or click on fishy URLs, even if they’re part of a job application. If you’re unsure about a link, plug it into a tool like Scam Detector or Google Safe Browsing to check the domain’s age and risk level. Scam sites are usually newly created.

12. Tech support VPN scams

Even the VPN sphere has its fair share of tech support scams. You might think you’re calling real support lines for Apple, Microsoft, or other big brands, but some search results lead to fake numbers run by scammers.

They’ll calmly walk you through downloading a “VPN” or “remote help” app that gives them access to your device. Once they’re connected, they can quietly open your files, photos, or contacts without showing anything on screen.

If you installed one of these apps, delete it right away and start changing your passwords. Focus on sensitive logins like email, banks, or shopping accounts. Most of the damage happens during the “support” session, so act fast to lock things down.

How to avoid common VPN scams

VPN scams are everywhere, from flashy deals to shady apps that harvest your data. To stay safe, you’ll need more than just a recognizable brand name. Keep these tips in mind when picking a provider or installing an app, as scammers count on you rushing the process.

Steer clear of lifetime subscription VPNs

As tempting as the offer may sound, lifetime subscriptions just aren’t feasible. Since VPNs need constant funding to keep the lights on, the provider might resort to selling your data, serving intrusive ads, or offering a subpar experience overall. Worse yet, they may take your money and disappear, with almost no chance of recovery.

Skip free VPNs (they’re usually not worth it)

Even if a free VPN looks clean, it usually cuts corners elsewhere. You’ll likely deal with limited bandwidth and server locations, weak encryption, or unreliable connections. If you want real privacy and consistent performance, you’ll need a reputable paid provider.

Check the VPN’s jurisdiction

Where a VPN is based matters more than you’d think. Countries with strict surveillance or data-retention laws can force companies to hand over user info. Even if the VPN says it doesn’t log data, it may still be legally forced to keep some records.

Stick to VPNs based in countries with strong privacy laws and no data-sharing alliances (like the 5/9/14 Eyes).

Thoroughly vet VPN options

Don’t go with the first VPN you see online. Take a little time to look into who runs it, what people say about it, and how clear its policies are. Good VPNs make their terms easy to understand instead of hiding behind vague promises.

Meanwhile, sketchy ones rely on flashy marketing and fake testimonials. You can spot them by checking for missing contact details or recycled trust badges. The better services are upfront about how they work and who’s behind them.

Avoid sharing sensitive data

As mentioned earlier, an email and a payment method are all you ever need to sign up for a reputable VPN. If the provider asks for your full name, ID, phone number, Social Security number, or other details for “verification” or “security,” it’s not worth trusting.

Don’t click or tap on suspicious prompts

Pop-ups that tell you to install a VPN “for safety” or “to clean your phone” are usually fake. Real services don’t use scare tactics to get your attention. If something feels urgent or aggressive, it’s probably bait.

Stick with what you’ve researched and don’t install anything just because it popped up on your screen. It’s easy to panic-click, but those clicks can backfire fast.

Only download VPNs from official channels

Always install VPN apps from their official websites or trusted app stores. Third-party sites and random links can host fake versions designed to steal your data. Even if the name looks right, the app might not be.

Double-check developer details and ratings before downloading, too. Scammers frequently copy popular VPN logos to mislead users and never provide real contact info. A legit app lists things like company name, address, and a valid support email.

Further reading: What are third-party apps and are they dangerous?

Try before you buy

If a VPN offers a free trial or a generous refund window, use it. That’s your chance to test how it performs on your devices and networks. You’ll find out if the speeds hold up, if it unblocks what you need, and if the app is easy to use.

Trying it first also helps you spot weird behavior early. Does it drop connections? Slow everything down? Show too many ads? You don’t want to be stuck in a long plan with a service that makes things worse. A quick test run can save you the trouble.

Avoid VPNs that request unnecessary access

Legit VPNs never ask for more access than they need. The only permission your app should request is to establish a VPN connection. If the VPN wants to access your contacts, location, storage, or camera, uninstall it immediately.

Test the VPN for leaks

Once the VPN is running, take a moment to make sure it’s actually doing its job. You can use sites like IPleak.net to check if your real IP address or DNS requests are still visible. If your actual location shows up while connected, the VPN isn’t protecting your traffic properly.

Double-check customer support numbers

Most common VPN scams rely on users not paying attention, whether it’s clicking a fake download link or calling a fake support number. Some scammers post fake customer service contacts on shady forums or comment sections, waiting for someone to call and hand over sensitive info.

Always get support details directly from the VPN’s official website or app listing. Don’t trust phone numbers from Google snippets, YouTube or X/Twitter comments, or third-party “help” pages. If a rep pressures you to install any extra apps, share login codes, or pay unexpected fees, it’s a scam.

Common VPN scams FAQs