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5 ways your VPN can protect you from scams
There's plenty that is wonderful about the internet – the ability to stay in touch with loved ones no matter where they are in the world, access to unlimited information, etcetera, etcetera.
But that hasn't stopped it also being used and abused. And, as technology improves exponentially, so too does the sophistication of online scams.
Recently, Infoblox Threat Intel recorded 65,000 expired domains re-registered, with hackers suspected to be using them to host malware. Meanwhile, more than 9 million facial recognition images were leaked at a reverse-lookup platform, putting people at risk of identity theft. And that's just to mention two examples of online malfeasance to take place in August 2026 alone.
Before you decide to pack up and live off-grid for fear of ever surfing the web again, though, there are ways to better protect yourself against scams.
One place to start is downloading one of the best VPNs, which offer some great features for fighting against scams. Such as...
1. Blocking malicious websites, phishing attempts and malware
A staple you'll find when scrolling through most VPNs' lists of features is some kind of blocking tool – usually categorized as an ad-blocker – ridding your browsing of ads and pop-ups; whether harmful or simply annoying.
But they don't just block ads. Often these features also detect and flag malicious websites hosting malware, trackers, and the like.
Surfshark's version of this, for instance, is its CleanWeb tool. The difference between an in-browser ad-blocker and a VPN with an ad-blocker is the former only protects you at a browser level, where ad-blocker equipped VPNs are more comprehensive, targeting ads within apps and so on.
2. Keeping your identity protected on public Wi-Fi spots
Fundamentally, a VPN is about fortifying your internet connection and giving you better online anonymity. This should always be a priority, but it's even more of a necessity when connecting to public networks.
Whether you're working from a cafe, scrolling social media on public transport, or checking train times at the station, public Wi-Fi rarely has the same level of security as your network at home.
Connecting to a VPN fully encrypts your connection, fortifying against snooping eyes and the potential for scammers to access and use your personal data against you.
3. Some integrate specific anti-scam tools
Many VPN providers are expanding to be more than just a virtual private network, wading into other avenues of security software.
That includes initiatives like the recently launched Antiscam Hub from Surfshark, which brings five of its features into one space on its apps and sets out the provider's intention to focus more as a brand on scam protection above all else. This includes scam text protection, dark web monitoring, personal data masking, and a web content blocker.
Primarily, each of these features focus on scams that go for the personal jugular rather than other digital methods, ensuring its users keep scammers off identifying, sensitive data.
From scam text protection, which looks at and is able to flag phishing attempts in your messages, to dark web monitoring, constantly scanning and alerting you should any of your private information end up on the dark web or in data leaks.
Data masking allows you to create randomly generated email addresses etc when signing up for newsletters online, for instance.
4. Security features like Auto Connect and Kill Switches
Where hackers are concerned – ultimately attempting to seek your information in order to create targeted scams – features like Auto Connect and a Kill Switch are second-to-none on ensuring there's no point in which your connection is unprotected and vulnerable.
Auto Connect can be configured in a number of ways, but ultimately it can be set to connect to a server within your VPN to ensure your connection is encrypted when you're connected to a network.
A Kill Switch works in the event that your connection to your chosen server drops. Rather than risking your traffic being exposed, a Kill Switch does exactly what it says – it kills your internet connection altogether, only reconnecting once your connection with your server is re-established and secure.
5. All-in-one security suites
The online landscape is growing more hostile with new emerging security breaching tactics. As such, VPN providers are looking to be more competitive in the ever advancing security software market, too, with many offering more than just a VPN.
All-in-one security suites, like Surfshark One, include antivirus software, features to alert you of data leaks, more secure search engines, and beyond.
But a VPN on its own isn't enough to stop scammers
Unfortunately, simply being connected to a VPN is not a silver bullet against online scams.
While having one is definitely a good idea and can help in a plethora of ways (as listed above), it's certainly not a fail-safe.
You should consider kitting out your device with other security software including antivirus so that you're not simply tackling the issue from a preventative point of view, but also able to detect and fix the issue should your hardware be compromised.
Equally, it sounds simple, but it also boils down to computer literacy and hypervigilance. Otherwise known as digital hygiene, ensure you're using unique, strong passwords, implement two-factor authentication on your logins, keep your system software up-to-date with the latest security patches, and keep on top of the latest phishing tactics you need to look out for.
