VPN Scams

Leila Sharma

New legislation allowing ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to sell browsing history has contributed to a rise in VPN (Virtual Private Network) scams as VPN is an option which affords users the ability to retain their online privacy.

For example, current and former Plex and Boxee users may receive the following VPN scam messages:

Screenshot of scam message entitled "Plex reveals new VPN buisness www.MySafeVPN.com" and continues with the following "Plex has been used a media platform for a long time now with users mainly accessing content they've got saved on a local media server. However, with the recent change in US privacy bills, UK privacy laws and more, it is now more difficult to fill these media servers with the content that users want to enjoy. Plex media server has now released a new service called www.MySafeVPN.com. This service will help users stay anonymous on the internet so they can download what they want, view what they want, browse where they want, without anyone looking over their shoulder. Internet access and media access can both now be completely anonymous using the new Plex VPN service which can be purchased at MySafeVPN.com."

Screenshot of VPN scam message entitled "Boxee is now back as MySafeVPN.com" and stating "The creators of Boxee are now back online as a safe and secure VPN service known as MySafevPN.com. With the changes in privacy laws, and the prevention methods being used by the UK government to block streaming and various websites, Boxee felt that it needed to return and provide its supporters with something amazing. Today marks the launch of www.MySafeVPN.com."

Please be reminded that NYU offers VPN service to NYU community members as a secure way in which to access NYU-Net from many remote locations.  Use of NYU VPN is required when remotely accessing certain services.  For a list of services which require VPN when accessed from off campus, please see: http://www.nyu.edu/servicelink/041202319365928. For more information on NYU VPN, please click here.

For more information on VPN scams, please see: https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/phony-vpn-services-are-cashing-in-on-americas-war-on-privacy.