**DuckDuckGo Improves Anti-Scam Functionality with New Scam Blocker**
The privacy-centric web browser DuckDuckGo has recently enhanced its anti-scam functionality by launching a feature aimed at identifying and blocking fraudulent ecommerce platforms, cryptocurrency websites, virus alerts, and more. This upgrade is available at no cost to all users on both Mac and iOS platforms, removing the necessity for a Privacy Pro subscription.
Historically, DuckDuckGo provided defenses against typical phishing and malware threats, in addition to harmful advertisements. However, these features have now been unified and rebranded under the new Scam Blocker designation.
### New Safeguards Provided by Scam Blocker
The Scam Blocker brings two main protective measures:
1. **Fraudulent Investment Websites and Surveys**: This aspect focuses on sites that seek to trick users into divulging personal information or making unwise financial choices. These scams can include a range of deceptive offers, such as investment programs, cryptocurrency trading, discounted medications, and cash incentive surveys. Frequently, these sites seem credible, but their offers are usually “too good to be true.”
2. **Scareware**: These misleading sites falsely assert that a user’s device is plagued by spyware or viruses. Scareware fosters a sense of urgency, deceiving users into pursuing fake tech support or acquiring unnecessary antivirus solutions.
Alongside these new protections, the Scam Blocker maintains previously established defenses against:
– **Phishing Websites**: These sites impersonate official businesses to steal login information or sensitive data. Cybercriminals frequently construct fake websites that resemble well-known brands or use link rerouting to mislead users.
– **Malware Websites**: Downloading files from such sites can result in malware infections, potentially harming devices or stealing personal data. Some malware sites automatically initiate downloads without user consent.
– **Tracker-Based Malicious Advertisements**: Referred to as “malvertising,” this method incorporates malware-infested ads within legitimate websites. Certain harmful ads can compromise systems without any user clicks.
### Shielding Users from Identity Theft and Fraud
DuckDuckGo’s goal is to protect users from the rising dangers of identity theft and fraud, specifically scams that mislead individuals into spending money on non-existent goods and services. When a user clicks on a link leading to a recognized scam, DuckDuckGo will prevent the page from loading and show an alert.
In contrast to Safari, which relies on Google’s Safe Browsing Service to notify users about phishing sites—thus transmitting data regarding visited sites to Google—DuckDuckGo’s mechanism is entirely anonymized and does not share information with external parties.
While the Scam Blocker feature is available for free to DuckDuckGo browser users, a Privacy Pro subscription is necessary to utilize the VPN, which extends protection to browsers like Safari and Chrome.
### Conclusion
DuckDuckGo’s upgrades to its anti-scam features demonstrate its dedication to user privacy and safety. With the launch of the Scam Blocker, users can explore the internet with enhanced assurance, knowing they are shielded from a diverse range of online dangers.
