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Fake VPNs claim to provide you with security and privacy, but in reality, they pose a serious threat to your safety. In this blog, we will explore the world of fake VPNs, the potential dangers associated with their usage, and how you can identify and steer clear of such fraudulent services.
One of the most popular VPN scams, fake VPNs are virtual private networks created by hackers. They are mostly available for free and can be found alongside genuine VPN apps in app stores, luring unsuspecting individuals into using their supposedly legitimate services.
A fake VPN will claim to offer secure and private connections, but all it really does is infiltrate your device and gain access to your personal information for fraudulent purposes. In some cases, it can even install malware and spyware on your device without your knowledge.
If you use a fake VPN, your online connection and device is far from protected. Here is why fake VPNs are bad for you:
If you were already concerned about the unethical practices of your ISP like bandwidth throttling and selling your data to third parties, you will be alarmed to know that fake VPNs can engage in similar practices.
When you connect to a fake VPN, all of your online traffic passes through their servers, providing them with the opportunity to store and monetize your data by selling it to third parties like advertisers.
Fake VPNs can load malware on your device as soon as you install them. The infiltration of malware through fake VPNs can lead to significant financial losses, privacy breaches, and disruptions to your digital life.
After all, fake VPN providers may subject you to spam emails, gain unauthorized access to your online accounts, steal your financial details, and even seize control of your devices, demanding ransom in return for access.
Encryption is a complex process that requires expertise to implement and maintain. Fake or free VPNs may not actually encrypt your traffic as they claim. Even if they do, the developers behind these services could have access to the servers, compromising the confidentiality of your online activities.
This lack of encryption leaves your data vulnerable to interception and monitoring by the developers or even potential hackers, undermining the fundamental purpose of using a VPN, i.e. to protect your online privacy and security through encryption.
Fake VPN apps can make your device a part of a botnet. This can severely impact your device’s performance and internet connection, causing significant slowdowns. Botnets use the combined processing power of compromised devices for other malicious purposes, resulting in an intolerable user experience.
Operating dedicated servers is a costly endeavor for VPN companies. There are considerable expenses associated with locating, managing, securing, and encrypting servers. Free or fake VPNs often attempt to evade this expense by cutting corners and compromising on server infrastructure.
Many fake or low-quality VPNs rely on aggressive advertising to generate revenue. They inundate your browsing experience with unwanted ads and pop-ups that can be both intrusive and malicious.
These ads not only disrupt your online activities but can also be a conduit for malware and phishing attempts, further jeopardizing your online safety. The constant barrage of advertisements can significantly degrade your browsing experience.
Fake VPNs are likely to log your online activities and potentially hand over this information to interested third parties, including advertisers, government agencies, or even cybercriminals, without your knowledge.
This logging practice can expose your online habits, browsing history, and even your physical location. Such practices starkly contrast the essence of a legitimate VPN, which is to safeguard your identity and online privacy.
Though distinguishing fake VPNs from genuine ones can be challenging, it is not entirely impossible. Here is how you can spot fake VPNs:
PureVPN has got you covered, here is how:
Absolutely, fake VPNs do exist. They typically masquerade as legitimate services, claiming to offer privacy and security, but without the genuine infrastructure or intentions. Using a fake VPN is dangerous in many ways, such as it can compromise your data, expose you to malware, and more.
When evaluating the legitimacy of a VPN, look for indications such as a strong reputation, transparent privacy policies, advanced security features, and a widespread server network. Verified audits, compatibility with various devices, and reliable customer support are also signs of a trustworthy VPN.
When a free VPN fails to provide the promised privacy and security, it can be categorized as a fake VPN. Free VPN services often rely on alternative revenue streams, such as selling user data to advertisers and third parties. While there are rare exceptions to this rule, it is important to exercise caution and do your due diligence to determine whether or not a free VPN is fake.