DuckDuckGo’s ‘Scam Blocker’ Just Got a Big Upgrade

When it comes to protecting your privacy online, some internet browsers are definitely safer than others, with features like built-in ad and tracking blocking and fingerprint randomizing.

While DuckDuckGo, which is known for its focus on privacy, isn’t the absolute best option, it is an excellent alternative to Chrome (the worst) without some of the trade-offs of top recommendations like Tor and Brave. Its newly expanded scam blocking features make it even more attractive for users looking to keep themselves and their data safe online.

How DuckDuckGo’s Scam Blocker protects against threats

DuckDuckGo’s Scam Blocker has always offered built-in protection against online threats like phishing and malware sites as well as malvertising, which can initiate a download or compromise your system even if you don’t click anything.

Now, the tool will cover a broader range of scams, including fraudulent cryptocurrency exchanges and investment sites, affiliate surveys with fake cash rewards, and fake e-commerce storefronts designed to harvest personal information or trick you into financial transactions. Scam Blocker can also protect against scareware: fake virus alerts that draw you into tech support scams.

Investment scams in particular are popping up everywhere, preying on emotions like fear and greed. Scareware campaigns have also become more sophisticated and spread to target more users.