How Harmful Fake VPNs Are & How to Spot
The number of fake and malicious VPNs has grown fast in recent years, with Kaspersky reporting a 2.5× increase in malicious VPN activity during Q3 2024. These fake apps pretend to protect your privacy but instead steal your personal data or turn your device into a tool for online scams.
Many people use VPNs to stay private online, especially when using public Wi-Fi or visiting restricted websites. But cybercriminals now use this trust to trick users into downloading fake VPNs that look real. What seems like a free and safe tool can actually collect your data, install malware, or even use your device for cyberattacks
What Are Fake VPNs and VPN Scams?
The best VPN (virtual private network) keeps your information safe by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address. Fake VPNs copy this idea but twist it for scams. They create realistic-looking apps and websites, complete with fake reviews and promises like “unlimited free access.”
There are two main types:
- Suspicious VPNs that work but secretly collect your browsing data and sell it.
- Fake VPNs that don’t work at all and instead install malware or spyware.
Many of these apps spread outside of official app stores through direct downloads or pop-up ads, making them harder to track or remove.
How Fake VPN Scams Work
These scams often start with ads that promise something tempting, like free streaming or total online protection. When you click the ad, it leads you to a fake website that looks professional. It urges you to download the VPN directly and not from trusted app stores. Once you install it, the app begins to steal your data or infect your device.
A major case called 911 S5 showed how dangerous these scams can be. It used fake VPNs like MaskVPN and DewVPN to control thousands of infected devices. Those devices were then used for online fraud and hacking without the owners ever knowing.
Types of VPN Scams and How They Target You
VPN scams come in many forms. The most common are:
- Suspicious VPNs: They seem to work but quietly track your online activity.
- Fake VPNs: They install malware or spyware that can steal files, passwords, or banking info.
- Ad-based VPN scams: They use fake ads to push downloads from outside official stores.
While these are the obvious ones, other types of VPN scams are trickier and less noticeable:
- Freemium trap VPNs: They offer a free version that collects your data or shows intrusive ads. Some even slow your connection on purpose so you’ll pay for an upgrade.
- Browser extension VPN scams: These lightweight add-ons request access to your data and monitor what you do online.
- Phishing-based VPN scams: Fake emails or social media messages offer “lifetime subscriptions” or “special deals.” Clicking them leads to fake sites that steal your card details or install malware.
- Trojanized VPNs: These are modified versions of real VPN apps. They work normally at first but secretly open backdoors for hackers.
The Hidden Dangers of Free VPNs
Free VPNs often do have an ulterior motive and it’s not to mask your online activity. They make money by collecting your data and selling it to advertisers or data brokers.
Research shows that 90% of free VPN apps leak some form of user data, including browsing history, location, or even login details. Many also use weak security systems, leaving your online activity open to hackers.
Once installed, malicious VPNs can request dangerous permissions, such as access to your photos, files, camera, or microphone. In extreme cases, they install more malware or allow remote access to your device.
How to Spot a Fake VPN
You can spot fake VPNs if you know what to look for:
- No real company information
No address, no team, no company background. Just a shady “About Us” page with buzzwords. - Websites full of impossible promises
Claims like “100 percent unhackable,” “complete anonymity,” or “military grade protection” with no technical explanation. - Zero or fake reviews
Only perfect testimonials on their own website. No presence on reputable review sites or forums. - No audit or transparency reports
Legit VPNs publish audits or at least explain how they operate. Fake ones rely on vague claims. - Suspiciously cheap or completely free
If a VPN is free, you’re usually the product. Fake ones often rely on ads, trackers, or data selling. - Strange permissions on the app
Asking for access to your contacts, messages, photos, or device admin privileges without reason. - No clear encryption details
If they can’t tell you what protocol they use (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2), that’s a huge red flag. - Poor or no customer support
Only a web form, no reply, or chatbots that don’t actually help. - Hidden ownership
Many fake VPNs are owned by marketing firms or companies with a history of shady apps. - App not on official stores
You have to “sideload” the app from their site or download from sketchy third-party stores. - Data logging disguised as “analytics”
Their privacy policy reveals they track browsing history, IPs, device IDs, or sell “aggregated data.” - High download counts but low trust
Popular on app stores yet flooded with bot-style, repetitive five-star reviews.
Before installing a VPN, check its reviews carefully, look at the developer’s website, and confirm that it’s listed in official stores like Google Play or the App Store.
What to Do If You Installed a Fake VPN
If you think you downloaded a fake or harmful VPN, take these steps right away:
- Uninstall the app and disconnect your device from the internet.
- Run a full antivirus scan to remove any hidden malware.
- Change all passwords used while the VPN was active.
- Check your email and banking accounts for suspicious activity.
- If problems continue, reinstall your operating system.
- Report the app to the store or authorities to protect others.
Quick action helps prevent further data theft or damage.
Why People Fall for Fake VPNs
Fake VPNs look convincing. Many appear on app stores with thousands of five-star reviews, copied logos, and promises of being “100% free.” This gives users a false sense of security.
The biggest hook is the word “free.” People assume they’re saving money, but what they’re really doing is giving away their data. Some well-known free VPNs have even been found leaking personal information or spreading malware. High ratings or download counts are no guarantee of safety.
If a VPN doesn’t charge you, you’re probably the one being sold.
Here are some related articles that you might find interesting:
VPN servers sit at the core of online privacy, performance, and digital freedom. They encrypt your internet traffic, mask your identity, and allow access to content across the globe. A key part of this process is the server address, which tells your device exactly where to connect.
Even in 2025, pop-up ads remain one of the biggest online annoyances. You’re watching a video, reading an article, or checking out a product, and suddenly, your screen gets hijacked by a flashing discount, fake alert, or subscription prompt.