According to CNET, around a third of all internet users worldwide now use a VPN, a tool that can boost privacy, fight for online freedom, and unblock streaming content. However, this popularity has led to a flood of dodgy and outright fake VPN apps that look legitimate but do nothing to protect you—some are even designed to collect your data or load malware. The article, by tech writer Krishi, outlines nine critical red flags to spot these shady services. Key warnings include VPNs with unclear or absent no-logs policies, a lack of independent audits, and those based in privacy-unfriendly jurisdictions like India where data logging is mandatory. Other major red flags are the lack of strong encryption or core features like a kill switch, and customer support that’s non-existent or just an unhelpful AI chatbot.
The Policy Problem
Here’s the thing about that all-important no-logs policy: it’s a minefield. Every VPN claims to have one, but the devil is in the details—or the lack thereof. A policy that’s too short, overly technical, or missing key specifics is a huge warning sign. But, and this is crucial, a VPN that claims it logs “absolutely nothing” is also suspicious. That’s just not how it works in the real world. Reputable services need to log tiny, anonymized bits of data—like when you connected and to which server—just to keep the network running smoothly. The real test is whether that logged data can ever be tied back to you. If the policy doesn’t clearly explain that distinction, walk away. Basically, you’re looking for transparency, not perfection.
Audits and Jurisdiction
So you found a VPN with a solid-looking privacy policy. Great! Now, has anyone else checked their work? Independent audits are the closest thing we have to a trust signal in this industry. But you have to be smart about them too. An audit only proves the VPN wasn’t logging during the specific window it was inspected. It doesn’t guarantee what happened before or after. That’s why regular, preferably annual, audits from a reputable firm are key. It shows a commitment to transparency. Now, let’s talk about where the company is based. Jurisdiction matters—a lot. If a VPN is headquartered in a country with mandatory data retention laws, like India, it has to log your data. Game over.
But it’s more nuanced than just avoiding the Five/Nine/Fourteen Eyes alliances. As Mullvad explains, the specific privacy laws of the country matter more than the alliance membership. Sweden is in the 14 Eyes, but its strong privacy laws mean a company like Mullvad isn’t compelled to log. If the authorities come knocking, there’s simply nothing to hand over. This circles right back to the importance of that audited no-logs policy. It’s your best defense, regardless of the map coordinates.
Features and Fantasies
Let’s get technical for a second. A VPN without modern encryption is useless. You should see AES-256 or ChaCha20 for encryption, and at least one of these protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2/IPSec. If a VPN is still pushing PPTP or doesn’t even tell you what it uses, run. And core features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection aren’t optional extras—they’re fundamental. A kill switch is your safety net. If the VPN connection drops, it cuts your internet so your real IP doesn’t leak out. Without it, you might think you’re protected when you’re completely exposed.
Now, about those unrealistic claims. This is where shady VPNs really love to play. A VPN is a powerful privacy tool, but it is not a magic cloak of invisibility or an all-in-one security suite. Any service promising “total anonymity” is lying. If you log into your Google account, Google still knows it’s you. A VPN also can’t stop you from downloading malware or falling for a phishing scam. Those claims are pure fantasy. And guaranteeing to unblock every streaming site? Please. The cat-and-mouse game with Netflix is constant, and no VPN wins 100% of the time. Exaggerated marketing is a giant red flag waving right in your face.
The Support Trap
Customer support is a weirdly telling red flag. Legitimate VPNs invest in real help—live chat, email support, detailed guides. They want you to use their product successfully. Shady apps? Not so much. Often, there’s no way to contact a human at all, just a dead website or a useless AI chatbot. Their job is done once your payment clears. But here’s a twist: some malicious operators might actually offer “support” as a trap. They leave bugs in the app so you contact them, then pose as agents to phish for your info or trick you into installing malware. So the absence of support is bad, but the presence of it isn’t a free pass either. You have to use your judgment across all these factors. Don’t just look for one green flag; watch for a pattern of red ones. Your privacy depends on it.
