Free VPNs: Scams or Really Safe? (And How to Avoid Them)

2023, Oct 02

Are you worried about VPN usage being linked to fraud cases? Don't worry, you're not alone in this situation. With a significant increase in interest in online privacy and Internet security, virtual private networks (VPNs) are becoming an increasingly popular tool.
Unfortunately, however, along with this enhancement, there have been some malicious individuals (and even state agencies) using VPNs as an opportunity to conduct fraudulent and passive activities. profit from unsuspecting users. Below, I'll share some suggestions on how to spot these VPN-related scams - and how you can protect yourself from them.
1. The promise of a “free VPN”
An ancient adage says: "Nothing in life is truly free." And this is especially true in the case of VPNs.
Free VPNs are really a trap and you need to be careful. To put it simply, we can look at it as the direct antithesis of what a VPN should actually do.
Specifically, "free VPN" is a trap that you need to be aware of. Safety always requires investment. When you pay for a reliable VPN, you can rest easy knowing that they are doing more than just recording and selling your data.
For more information on this topic, check out my article comparing free VPNs with paid VPNs by Rice VPN.
2. Be wary of fake VPNs
We can take this case with Hola VPN as an example. Hola VPN secretly used customers' devices to create botnets, essentially allowing others to hijack their Internet bandwidth. Other fake VPNs can be more hostile. Remember that when you connect to a VPN, you are entrusting your data to another company. The permission to do this has been hidden in the fine print and as you can imagine, people are not very happy.
3.VPN Reviews on Apple and Android App Stores
Never trust reviews and ratings on mobile app stores.
4.VPN has questionable pricing
Avoid getting caught up in scams where you pay large amounts of money or don't get any real value for the service. When considering prices, always keep in mind that you need to know how much you will pay and when you will receive the bill.
5.VPN sites are not secure
  Taking some time to see if the VPN provider's website is secured with HTTPS in the website URL can help you avoid getting scammed. If the VPN doesn't encrypt their website, you can bet that any promises of anonymity and “modern encryption” are false.
6.VPN offers “lifetime subscription”
Typically, VPN services will offer good performance for the first month or two, then they may reduce speeds and limit bandwidth as soon as you've passed your refund date. In that situation, you will not be entitled to claim any compensation.
Always remember that quality VPN services incur recurring costs and pass this on to users in the form of subscription fees.
7.VPN asks for too much personal information
Be careful with VPNs that ask for too much of your personal information.
If anonymity is your top concern, stay away from VPNs that require you to enter too much personal information.
Privacy & Security with VPN?
Growing public concern over privacy and security on the Internet has faced an onslaught of VPN-related scams. It is very important that you are alert and vigilant when you intend to buy a VPN. In addition to the advice outlined previously, the best way to avoid falling for a VPN scam is to thoroughly research every VPN provider using multiple, trustworthy sources of information. before deciding to register.



 

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