Online scams have become increasingly sophisticated, making it essential to stay informed about the latest threats. URL shorteners often obscure the actual links, leaving users vulnerable until it’s too late. In response to this growing issue, DuckDuckGo has updated its browser with an enhanced scam blocker. The built-in scam blocker in DuckDuckGo’s browser currently protects users from various online threats, including phishing websites and malware.

The latest update significantly expands this protection to guard against fake e-commerce sites, fraudulent cryptocurrency exchanges, and scareware. For those unaware, scareware is a tactic that tricks users into believing their devices have a virus, prompting them to click links that lead to malicious outcomes. DuckDuckGo explains that while scam tactics may vary, their ultimate goals are generally the same: committing financial fraud by exploiting personal information or misleading users into paying for nonexistent products or services. If a user accidentally clicks a link leading to a scam site, the browser’s built-in scam blocker will prevent the page from loading and display a warning message to help users navigate away safely.

Unlike many competing browsers that utilize Google’s Safe Browsing Service, DuckDuckGo prides itself on developing its own solution, which it asserts is better for privacy as it doesn’t share or transmit gathered information to third parties. The rise of online scams is alarming, particularly as so much of our lives are conducted online. Everyday applications, such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs, require an internet connection, making individuals easy targets for scammers through various tactics, including malicious apps and phishing emails. According to the FTC, U.S. consumers lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024 alone.

Fortunately for DuckDuckGo users, the scam blocker feature is enabled by default, and there’s no need for account registration. Additionally, those subscribed to Privacy Pro can use the scam blocker across any internet app while the DuckDuckGo VPN is active.