Online scams are constantly evolving, becoming more sophisticated and diverse. In response to this growing threat, DuckDuckGo has significantly enhanced its built-in Scam Blocker feature, providing users of its privacy-focused browser with expanded protection against a wider array of online deception tactics.
This update builds upon the Scam Blocker’s existing defenses against common threats like phishing sites and malware-spreading pages. The tool, seamlessly integrated into the DuckDuckGo browser for desktop and mobile, now actively identifies and warns users about several new categories of fraudulent websites designed to trick people out of money and personal information.
Key New Scam Categories Targeted
The expanded Scam Blocker now covers dangerous sites including:
Fake Online Stores: Deceptive e-commerce sites designed to mimic legitimate retailers but ultimately scam shoppers by selling counterfeit goods or simply taking payment without sending anything.
Phony Crypto Exchanges & Investment Sites: Fraudulent platforms that pose as legitimate cryptocurrency trading or investment services, aiming to steal funds or personal financial data.
Scareware (Fake Virus Alerts): Websites that display alarming, false messages claiming your device is infected with viruses or spyware, often pressuring you to call a fake tech support number, click a harmful link, or download malicious software.
Malicious Survey Sites: Pages designed to trick users into revealing personal information or engaging in harmful actions under the guise of legitimate surveys promising rewards.
How DuckDuckGo Protects You
When you attempt to visit a site that the Scam Blocker identifies as potentially dangerous, the DuckDuckGo browser intervenes before the page fully loads. Instead of displaying the risky content, it presents you with a clear warning message. This alert informs you that the site has been flagged as a security risk because it appears to be trying to “manipulate people into transferring money, buying counterfeit goods, or installing malware.” This gives you a safe opportunity to navigate away without exposing yourself to the scam.
This enhanced protection is particularly timely given the significant rise in online fraud. According to data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), people lost approximately $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year. Online shopping scams alone were reported as the second most frequent type of fraud. DuckDuckGo’s expanded Scam Blocker aims to help mitigate these risks for its users.
Privacy at the Core of Scam Protection
True to DuckDuckGo’s focus on user privacy, the Scam Blocker was developed in-house and does not rely on external third-party services like Google’s Safe Browsing. The tool operates using a frequently updated list of known malicious site URLs provided by Netcraft, an independent cybersecurity company.
Crucially for privacy, this list is stored locally on your device and updated regularly (about every 20 minutes). DuckDuckGo’s browser checks the sites you visit against this local list in real-time. An anonymized hashing solution is used to obscure the specific sites you’ve visited, ensuring your browsing activity remains private and is not shared with DuckDuckGo or any third parties.
The Scam Blocker feature is available for free for all users of the DuckDuckGo browser on desktop and mobile devices and is enabled by default, requiring no manual setup. For users subscribed to DuckDuckGo’s Privacy Pro service, this scam protection can even be extended to browsing done on other web browsers on their device.
By expanding its Scam Blocker to cover fake stores, crypto scams, scareware, and more, DuckDuckGo is providing enhanced security against increasingly prevalent online threats, all while upholding its commitment to protecting user privacy.
