DuckDuckGo browser expands Scam Blocker to catch more fake sites and scareware

Scams are rampant online these days—fake stores, crypto schemes, even popups claiming your PC has 42 viruses. DuckDuckGo wants to shut that noise down.

The privacy-first browser has just rolled out a big update to its built-in Scam Blocker, giving it new powers to detect more types of sketchy sites. It now flags things like:

• Fake e-commerce stores
• Scareware popups pushing bogus virus alerts
• Malvertising powered by shady trackers
• Crypto scam and fake investment sites
• Survey scams that offer fake rewards

Scam Blocker already handled malware and phishing threats, but this latest update makes it a much broader defense tool. Here’s how it works: every time you try to visit a site, DuckDuckGo scans the URL locally using a threat list that updates every 20 minutes.

Well, that list is powered by a cybersecurity firm called Netcraft. If the threat looks suspicious but isn’t already known, it’s checked via an anonymous system that keeps your identity private, even from DuckDuckGo itself.

If something sketchy is detected, you’ll see a full-page warning with the option to back out or proceed at your own risk. Scam Blocker has been part of DuckDuckGo’s browser since it launched, and it’s always on by default. You don’t need any account to get it to work.

Privacy Pro users get one extra benefit. With DuckDuckGo’s VPN turned on, Scam Blocker works across all internet apps on their device, not just the DuckDuckGo browser.