DuckDuckGo boosts anti-scam protections with new ‘scam blocker’ feature

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Privacy-focused browser DuckDuckGo is rolling out a new security upgrade aimed at keeping users safe from online fraud and deception. Dubbed Scam Blocker, the feature enhances the browser’s existing phishing and malware protections by expanding its scope to include a broader range of digital scams — and it’s completely free for all users on iOS and Mac.

Scam Blocker now detects and blocks fake e-commerce sites, shady crypto schemes, scareware pop-ups, and malicious survey pages — all designed to trick users into sharing personal information or making bogus payments. According to DuckDuckGo, the system will intercept such links in real-time, prevent the site from loading, and show users an alert explaining the risk.

• Scam Sites & Storefronts: These include fraudulent investment platforms, crypto trading scams, discount pharmacies, and fake surveys offering cash or prizes — all designed to lure users into bad transactions or giving away sensitive data.

• Scareware Alerts: Sites that mimic virus warnings or fake system alerts in an attempt to push users toward paying for bogus antivirus software or fake tech support services.

These new safeguards join the browser’s existing defenses against phishing websites, malware-hosting sites, and tracker-driven malicious ads.

Unlike Safari, which relies on Google’s Safe Browsing for phishing alerts — potentially sending browsing data to Google — DuckDuckGo emphasises that its system is fully anonymised and does not share data with third parties.

Scam Blocker is automatically included in the DuckDuckGo browser for Mac and iOS, but if you want this protection to extend across other browsers like Safari or Chrome, you’ll need to subscribe to Privacy Pro, the company’s premium offering that includes a VPN and email protection tools.