The Top VPN Scams To Look Out For in 2024

It can be hard to tell which VPN providers are legitimate anymore, with hundreds of options available. Every day, there seem to be new ones popping up, and they are likely to be VPN scams.The number of them is quite high, unfortunately. In our research, we found out what people often complain about and the call scams when using VPNs. To provide you with useful tips, we've researched the scams you should avoid, and we've answered questions related to them. Third-Party SellersYou are tempted to purchase a VPN from a third-party seller by a website that tries to convince you to do so. A VPN subscription can also be sold on platforms like eBay by independent merchants. In this case, it is difficult to tell whether the subscriptions are legitimate or if the VPN provider endorses them. This offer claims to be offered for just $12 for a three-year NordVPN account. In case the link redirects you to another offer, the scammer probably changed the beginning offer, so we took a screenshot to make sure we weren't getting caught in the scam.There are, of course, some third-party sellers who aren't scammers. A VPN provider might give permission to some websites to sell subscriptions through their platform. You can find that information on the provider's blog or newsletter. If you have any questions, you can ask them. While you should still subscribe to the VPN through its official website, we recommend doing so. Lifetime SubscriptionsEssentially, a lifetime subscription is a one-time payment made (like $50-$100 or less) and a VPN for life. Generally, the VPN provider sells the lifetime account directly through their website, or it is sold to third parties on their behalf. How good does that sound?The reason for that is that it usually is. You're looking at an unsustainable business model if a VPN service offers lifetime access deals constantly. It costs a lot of money to run a VPN, after all - just renting a good 1Gbps server will typically cost more than $1,000 a month. Additionally, their staff must be paid. Their future recurring revenue will be nonexistent with lifetime accounts.In addition, some VPNs take advantage of lifetime accounts to make a quick buck, and then they shut down. A VPN company apparently did this. A lifetime account was offered for only $13 - nonrefundable, of course. It is likely that they will begin their next scam once they have racked in enough money before shutting down the company.After you pay for lifetime VPN services, people who run scams revoke your "lifetime" privilege instead of taking your money. Some users experienced the same thing. Initially charged for a lifetime account, but after two years, they were converted to a premium subscription with recurring invoices. Dead VPNsDespite being discontinued, these VPN services continue to operate on their websites. However, you can still buy the service even though it does not work anymore.Some websites are still running despite the service being closed. A complete marketing copy is available, and the checkout process works as well. Some review sites still have active links to subscriptions, so if you google them, you can still find online deals.Nevertheless, customers complain that the servers aren't working anymore, and there is no response to support tickets that can be accessed. Therefore, the service is likely to shut down quietly. What's the point of coming clean if money keeps rolling in?You could say goodbye to that money if you subscribe to a dead VPN. No VPN service will be provided, and no refunds will be processed. In addition, your payment details will be stored on an unsecured website. Free VPN ScamsIt's also likely that free VPNs will harm your privacy in other ways, even if they don't expose you to malware. It is hard to believe that a VPN can truly be free, after all. As a result, the service's network of servers and its staff must somehow earn a living.Profits are made by them. Ultimately, it's you who becomes the product, not the VPN. In the event that you fall victim to a free VPN scam, you can experience the following:Your computer might become a part of a botnet if the service sold your bandwidth.Your data and usage can be monitored by VPNs and sold to advertisers through tracking libraries.You won't be able to protect your privacy with the VPNs - either because the developers did not configure the service well or the VPN does not use encryption in the first place.Your browser will be redirected to eCommerce websites affiliated with the VPN provider or bombarded with annoying ads (which might be malicious).However, there are exceptions to the rule, as there are lifetime VPN scams. Despite the popularity of free VPNs, not all are malicious, scammy, or shady. Some of these services are actually quite decent, and their business model works because they offer a separate paid service in addition to their free service. You can find a free VPN that you can trust in our guide if you need help finding one. ConclusionNow that top VPN scams have become more common, there's a chance you will encounter them. Due to the booming VPN market, more VPN services are expected to appear in the near future. It is also likely that scammers will take advantage of the high demand for VPNs to make a quick profit. In fact, you can keep your money and your sanity safe if you don't listen to star ratings, ads, or pushy sales messages. Have you heard of any other VPN scams? If you have any suggestions for what else people should do to avoid them, please share them with us.

Why Should You Get Dark Web Monitoring Of NordVPN?

Dark Web Monitoring is a feature of NordVPN's cybersecurity software that prevents others from using account information leaked to the dark web for malicious purposes. During continuous scanning, it alerts you whenever your credentials are discovered on dark websites, allowing you to take steps to secure them. A brief explanation of how Dark Web Monitor works Protect your home and business 24/7 with one click In Dark Web Monitor, your NordVPN email address is continuously scanned for credentials associated with dark web forums and sites. The dark web monitoring tool will continue to protect your accounts even after you hear about a data breach as long as you have it turned on. Be notified of threats as soon as possible Your NordVPN email address will be immediately detected by Dark Web Monitor if it detects credentials associated with it. Including the service that was compromised, you can see all the relevant information about the leak. You can go about your business with Dark Web Monitor while it runs in the background quietly. Protect yourself by taking appropriate security measures You can take action before the criminal acts when you know you're in danger. The process can be as simple as setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA) or changing your password. If you suspect that a credit card has been compromised, you can contact your bank to block the credit card. Dark Web Monitor Nord VPN "runs continuously" and provides real-time results, making it an exceptional dark-web scanner. Cybercrime prevention It is not uncommon for people to reuse passwords across multiple online accounts, which opens the doors for cybercriminals to gain access to “the entire ecosystem of accounts” if they determine a person's password. The reason for this is that you should never reuse a password for accounts containing sensitive personal or financial information, at least not for accounts involving sensitive data. In addition to improving data security, Dark Web Monitor will take steps against credential stuffing, which occurs when automatic computer scripts send millions of stolen usernames and passwords to website login pages. Users can change their passwords right away by using Dark Web Monitor Nord VPN to prevent cyber criminals from trying to damage their systems or steal personal identification information. What is the process for activating the feature? On macOS: Click the three-line button located in the bottom left corner of the app window to open the app's menu. You will be able to access the settings menu by clicking this button. Turn on the Dark Web Monitor by going to the section and clicking the 'TURN ON' button. On Android: You can access Profile Statistics & Settings by tapping the profile icon in the bottom right corner of the main screen. The Dark Web Monitor box can be turned on by tapping on it. On iOS: You can access the settings menu by tapping on the gear icon at the top right corner of the screen. You can activate Dark Web Monitor by tapping on the Tools section. On Windows: The settings menu can be accessed by clicking the gear icon in the bottom left corner. The Dark Web Monitor can be turned on by clicking 'Turn On' in the section. Does the dark web contain any of your information? Your personal information is likely to be on dark websites, at least some of the time. Thousands of user profiles are exposed each year due to data breaches, some of which leak hundreds of millions. As well as social media, online banking, shopping sites, government institutions, healthcare clinics, and even forum information could also include personal information gained from the internet. Criminals need to be able to obtain even snippets of sensitive data from large-scale breaches. Still, hackers often go a step further and compile all the personal information they can find into sets (known as “fullz”). The information contained in these sets could include names, addresses, bank accounts, phone numbers, social security numbers, and even credit card numbers, which makes them particularly dangerous. Private individuals Phishing attacks or crimes committed under your name by stealing your identity Scams that entice you to trust with stolen information Your account is locked out by hackers who change your password after breaking in with the password The use of the same password to access other accounts (password stuffing) Business A fine for inadequate data protection measures is imposed by the regulator Unwelcome publicity caused by data breaches can damage a brand's reputation Any breach damage can result in a lawsuit from customers As a result of downtime and post-breach audits, business is lost Conclusion A NordVPN service gives you the ability to browse the internet in privacy without the risks or inconveniences associated with the dark web. A subscription is all that is needed to access the service. When your credentials are exposed, the Dark Web Monitor Nord VPN feature will send alerts. Another useful feature of NordVPN is its Threat Protection. This software allows you to navigate away from risky websites that may contain malware as well as block trackers and intrusive ads.

A Closer Look At The Best ID Security Services Of 2024

Fraudsters are employing a variety of techniques and tricks to hijack your personal information, which is more prevalent than ever before. If you are arrested for a crime, identity thieves can take advantage of your identity and open credit cards in your name. This can lead to grave financial threats to your life when they use your identity.Protecting your personal information from identity theft is possible with identity theft protection services. In addition to monitoring your credit for suspicious activity, providing real-time alerts, and insurance in case of a data breach, the best identity theft prevention companies will monitor your credit department for suspicious activity. Credit SquadWhen it comes to the best ID security services companies, Credit Squad is unique because it offers a personal touch. For identity theft monitoring, Credit Squad offers the following services:Keeping track of bank accountsTracking your credit scoreReplacement wallet for lost walletsMonitoring of nearby sexual offendersTracing of SSNsThe company uses its proprietary Light Watch scanning technology to track the information you request. Any information you provide Light Watch finds online will be alerted to you in real time. With Credit Squad, you will be covered for losses of up to $1 million if you are a victim of identity theft.You will find that Credit Squad offers the best customer service for identity theft protection, with 24/7 support and a team of trained credit counselors who can provide personalized financial advice regardless of which plan you choose. Moreover, you will be provided with a caseworker and paralegal who are responsible for helping you recover your identity if it has been compromised in the first place.The company's standard credit monitoring plan includes only credit monitoring for customers, but the company's other three individual and family plans also include identity theft protection. There are only ID theft services included in the basic family plan. When you already have a credit monitoring service with another company and want ID protection, you may still want to consider this plan.With the top-tier Elite plan, you get in-depth identity theft protection, monthly credit reports, and tri-bureau credit monitoring. Whether you need credit monitoring or identity protection, Credit Squad is the company to watch over your credit. Having ultrasecure credit will give you peace of mind.ProsMonitoring of three credit bureaus: Equifax, Transunion, and ExperianPlan your protection for yourself or your familyIdentity recovery services with a full range of servicesInsurance coverage for identity theft of $1MScanning of email addresses for freeIncluded is a 3-bureau annual credit reportConsOnly the most expensive plan offers 3-bureau credit monitoringCompared with other identity theft prevention services, it has limited features Credit.comWith over a million members, Credit.com has been the leading credit reporting website since 1996. However, ExtraCredit takes credit monitoring to a whole new level by offering an entire suite of best ID security services. You can work on building, guarding, tracking, and restoring your credit with ExtraCredit for just a monthly fee instead of paying for multiple services.ExtraCredit is a great deal of service offered by Credit.com for its price. A total of five categories are available from the company: Build It, Guard It, Track It, Reward It, and Restore It. This review will focus on Guard It's identity monitoring and Track It's credit monitoring services, which include:Alerts regarding data breachesMonitoring of the dark webMonitoring of credit by three bureaus28 FICO credit scoresYou wouldn't have known your credit monitoring company could offer such comprehensive ID protection services. In case your identity is stolen, ExtraCredit offers financial identity theft insurance of up to $1 million.Extra Credit's additional features will appeal to those who value credit building as much as identity protection. You can bolster your credit report by reporting your rent and utility payments to credit bureaus through Credit.com. Additionally, if your credit has seen better days, the company's U.S.-based credit repair team will assist you. And if all that wasnt enough, the ExtraCredit program can also help you earn up to $300 in cash offers. Getting paid is something everyone loves, right?The ExtraCredit identity theft protection service does not have multiple tiers, unlike other best ID security services. The entire suite is instead available for $24.99 per month. If you buy Extra Credits five services separately, they could cost approximately $90, so this is a good deal. In addition, you can cancel ExtraCredit at any time if you are not satisfied with it.With ExtraCredit, you can monitor identity theft and build your credit score all in one place.ProsYou can try ExtraCredit for freeTrack your credit history with 28 FICO scoresRent and utility reporting can boost your credit scoreYou can protect your identity with a variety of features designed to prevent identity theftInsurance against identity theft is includedMonitoring of the dark webThere is only one monthly feeConsYou don't have to pay according to the features you need to useAccounts on social media are not monitoredIdentity fraud cannot be prevented online because there are no tools ConclusionIn this article, we've reviewed a couple of the best ID security services to prevent identity theft. We cannot infer that comprehensive identity theft monitoring is a bad investment to make, especially since you can use one of the companies we've reviewed. Now is the time to get started. Make sure you arm yourself against fraudsters today by choosing the right identity theft protection service.

How To Save Energy By Utilizing Smart Home Automation?

Smart homes are automated environments that use artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and machine learning algorithms to make our houses safer, more comfortable, and more efficient. The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to devices connected using computer networks so they can exchange data. IoT devices can be anything from sensors monitoring the weather to smart watches. The data that these devices collect is often analyzed to provide value to businesses. For example, IoT sensors placed on manufacturing equipment can be used to track operational data and ensure quality. Data analysis can also be used to predict future scenarios and make decisions accordingly. What is a Smart Home? Smart home devices like thermostats and lighting sensors can connect with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and can become a part of your smart home ecosystem. Smart home technology makes it possible for you to monitor and control most aspects of your home from a centralized location—whether it’s from across the street or halfway around the world. Through voice commands, mobile apps, or a website, you can operate lights, locks, security cameras, thermostats, and many other devices from wherever you happen to be at any given time. Whether you’re renting an apartment or buying a new house - these tips will help you adopt smart home automation in your everyday life. Smart Home Automation Basics There are many ways to automate your smart home. The first step is to select the type of product or device you wish to automate. From there, you can choose between a hardwired or wireless connection. Video Surveillance Home surveillance is widely used in smart home automation, and it is trending as a key component of this technology. A video surveillance system can include live feeds from indoor and outdoor cameras, motion detectors, a DVR, and even facial recognition software. The wide selection of smart home video cameras available today allows you to select the perfect camera for your needs. Many video cameras are designed to connect directly to your WiFi network, so you don’t have to run any wires to the camera. The video feed from your camera can then be viewed on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can also use your smart speaker to view the video feed. Voice Assistants Voice assistants are one of the most popular ways to control your smart home. You can use voice commands to control lights, thermostats, appliances, and other devices. You can also use voice assistants to listen to music, get weather forecasts, and receive sports scores. The most popular voice assistants include Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, Apple’s Siri, and Microsoft’s Cortana. If your smart home devices are compatible with one of these voice assistants, you can control them using simple voice commands. For example, you can say “Alexa, turn on the lights” or “Siri, raise the temperature to 75 degrees.” Smart Thermostats Smart thermostats are very popular in smart home automation since they are easy to install, work with any heating or cooling system, and can be controlled remotely. If you use a programmable thermostat, you can set it to lower the temperature when no one is home. This helps to save energy by reducing the amount of time the heating or A/C system runs. Many thermostats are compatible with WiFi, so you can control them using your computer, smartphone, or smart speaker. Smart thermostats can also be programmed to learn your habits and save more energy by turning off when you aren’t home. For example, if you work 9-5 and your spouse is usually at work until 5, your thermostat can be programmed to raise the temperature when your spouse gets home. Light Monitoring and Automation Using smart light bulbs is one of the easiest ways to automate your home. You can set a schedule to dim the lights when you want to watch TV or read, and brighten them when you need more light. You can also use your smartphone to turn the lights on or off whenever you want. There are many types of smart light bulbs available on the market. You can find bulbs that fit in most light fixtures and can be controlled by your smartphone or computer. Some bulbs even let you change the color with a click of your finger. Another option is to install wall switches that are compatible with smart home automation. You can also use voice commands to control your lights. Keypad Lock Doors Keypad door locks let you enter your home with a numerical code. Keypad door locks are convenient, secure, and easy to install. You can program most keypads to let only certain people, such as your family, enter the house. Keypads also let you change the code when you want, so you don't have to worry about someone stealing your door code. Some keypads also have a fingerprint sensor, which lets only people with a certain fingerprint enter your home. Not only do they offer increased safety, but they also allow you to control who has access to your home. You can create an access code for anyone you want to grant admissions, such as guests and family members, and even assign them specific times they can enter. A keypad door lock is easy to install. You can either purchase a lock that is pre-wired for electricity or purchase a lock that you wire to your home’s electrical system. Many keypad door locks also come with smartphone apps that allow you to control the lock from anywhere. Conclusion As you can see, smart home automation makes life easier and more efficient. Whether you live alone, with a roommate, or have a family, these devices can make your life much more convenient. You can program your lights to automatically turn on at certain times of the day, and you can set your thermostat to automatically heat or cool your home depending on the season. These devices will continue to become more affordable and more widely accessible, which will enable more consumers to enjoy their benefits. With the advancement of smart technology, consumers will be able to do more with their devices and live a more convenient and comfortable life. Smart home technology will continue to grow and expand to include more devices. New products are constantly being introduced, and existing products are being updated with new features and improved functionality. These tips will help you adopt smart home automation in your everyday life, so you can start enjoying its many benefits.

Home Security Tips: How To Manage Living Alon

People living alone for the first time may feel isolated and unsafe. Trusting strangers can be difficult, especially when you live far from your friends and family. Your home is often your sanctuary from the world, but it can also be a danger zone if you’re not careful. Make sure to keep all of your cleaning supplies locked up and out of reach of kids. Cleaning products are potent and toxic, and they’re not intended to be used by young children. Even if your kids were supervised and didn’t eat the cleaning products, they could still be at risk if they get into their hands. Keep all cleaning products away from pets as well, as some of them can be toxic to animals. Last but not least, don’t leave your cleaning products where people with allergies can reach them. Living alone at home can leave you susceptible to burglars, intruders, or other individuals who may not have your best interests in mind. Security is a top priority for everyone, especially those who live alone at home. The unfortunate truth is that crime rates are on the rise in many parts of the world, and an increasing number of people are falling victim to these dangers every day. Thankfully, there are many ways that you can protect yourself and your home if you live alone at home for the first time. Here are some useful home security tips that may help keep you safe: Install a security system If you live in a large or upscale home, or if your neighborhood has a high crime rate, you may want to consider installing a security system. These systems usually come equipped with motion sensors, alarms, and various other safety features that can alert you to unwanted visitors. Some systems even allow you to remotely monitor your home’s security from a computer or smartphone app. Depending on the type of system you choose, installation can either be fairly easy or somewhat costly. Nevertheless, installing a security system can be an excellent way to protect yourself and your home if you live alone at home for the first time. If you are renting your home, be sure to check with your landlord before installing a security system. Some landlords prohibit the use of these systems on the premises, while others may require tenants to obtain their permission before installing one. In some cases, landlord insurance may even cover the cost of installing a security system. Use smart lighting Smart lighting is another useful security tool that can help protect you if you live alone at home for the first time. These systems usually allow you to dim or brighten certain lights in your home with a smartphone app or voice command. You can also set up some lighting systems to trigger automatically when motion sensors detect an intruder or when you leave the house. Many smart lighting systems can also act as security cameras, allowing you to monitor your home remotely. If someone breaks into your home, you can use your smartphone app to trigger the lights to turn on or to start recording. As with security systems, you can usually control smart lighting systems through an app on your smartphone. While these systems are a great way to improve your home security, you should note that they aren’t foolproof. In other words, they won’t necessarily keep out intruders who are determined to break in. Ideally, smart lighting systems should only be used as a supplementary security tool to protect you if you live alone at home for the first time. Lock all windows and doors Installing new locks on all of your doors, including your windows and garage, is an easy way to increase your home security if you live alone at home for the first time. Most major hardware stores sell these locks, and installation is usually fairly straightforward. You can also hire a professional to install them for you, which may be a better option if you aren’t particularly handy. You can also protect your windows by installing blinds or curtains. These are easy to install, and they can help prevent intruders from seeing into your home. If you live in an upscale neighborhood, you may want to consider installing extra security features, such as a window-break alarm. This type of alarm is triggered when someone breaks a window in your home, and it alerts authorities. You can usually purchase these alarms at most hardware stores. It may also be a good idea to let your neighbors know that you’ve installed window-break alarms. This will help deter home invasions in your neighborhood. Install a surveillance camera Another excellent way to protect yourself if you live alone at home for the first time is to install a surveillance camera. There are countless types of security cameras on the market today, so you should choose one that best suits your needs. For example, you may want to purchase a camera that can be monitored remotely. This type of camera can alert you if it detects suspicious activity in your home, allowing you to respond quickly. Other cameras may send you alerts when they detect unusual activity, but they don’t allow you to monitor them remotely. Keep in mind that not all security cameras are created equal. Before purchasing a security camera, be sure to research the various options available. You should also be aware that certain states have laws about recording video in your home, so you may need to acquire a permit before installing a camera. As with other security tools, installing a surveillance camera is an excellent way to protect yourself if you live alone at home for the first time. Conclusion One common home security tip that you should always keep in mind is to avoid displaying your wealth. This can include things like putting your expensive things in a locked safe, hiding your jewelry, and keeping a close eye on your credit card statements in case of identity theft. These tips might seem like common sense, but they’re worth repeating. Your home security starts with you. If you live alone at home for the first time, you should try to blend in with your neighbors by dressing modestly and keeping up a low-key appearance. Avoid buying expensive jewelry or other items that may attract the attention of thieves. Don’t leave cash or other valuables lying around in plain sight, either. It may also be best not to keep a lot of cash in your wallet or purse. You can also store some of your money in a safe, which may be a better option if you are keeping large amounts of cash in your home. Unfortunately, there is no single way of protecting yourself if you live alone at home for the first time. By incorporating all of these home security tips into your daily routine, you should be able to lower your risk of being victimized by crime.