Google warns users about fake VPN apps that steal banking details and personal data instead of protecting privacy

Google

Google has issued a warning that might make you rethink that “free VPN” you casually downloaded last week. According to the company, some apps pretending to be VPN services are actually dangerous malware wearing a friendly disguise. And instead of hiding your online activity, they may be quietly stealing your most sensitive information.

VPNs have become extremely popular in the last few years — people use them for privacy, streaming content from other countries, or simply to feel safer online. But Google says certain malicious developers are taking advantage of this trust. They create apps that look like normal VPN tools, complete with clean logos, flashy descriptions, and fake promises of “military-grade protection.” Once installed, however, these apps begin doing exactly the opposite of what a VPN should: they start siphoning off personal data.

And we’re not talking about harmless data either. Google’s security team says these fake VPNs can steal banking details, crypto wallet info, passwords, private messages — basically anything valuable stored on your phone. Some can even enable remote access, giving attackers direct entry into your device without you ever realizing something is wrong.

The scarier part is how convincing these apps look. Many are promoted through misleading ads or fear-based marketing (“Protect your phone from hackers NOW!”). They rely on the fact that most users don’t dig too deep before tapping ‘Install’.

So what can you do to stay safe? Google suggests starting with the basics: stick to well-known VPN brands and avoid random apps you’ve never heard of. Android users should also keep Google Play Protect switched on. It quietly scans apps in the background and blocks those that request shady permissions — the kind used to steal data instead of protecting it.

This is a reminder that online privacy tools themselves can become threats if you aren’t careful. A VPN is supposed to act like your digital shield, but the wrong one can turn into a trapdoor for hackers. So the next time you download a “free, unlimited, super-fast VPN,” pause for a moment — because it might just cost you more than you think.