WebVetted Beta
Recommendation
Avoid
Overall Summary
Scam
Why we think so

Urban VPN is a free VPN service with about 5.6 million monthly visits, mostly from India, China, and the US. It operates on a peer-to-peer network model but has faced substantial criticism for security and privacy risks, including extensive data logging and the sale of user data. Reviews highlight several problematic aspects, such as no independent security audits, DNS leaks, and poor customer support. While it is not widely reported as a direct financial scam, the risks it poses to user data privacy, device security, and potential legal exposure are significant. Users should be cautious, especially when sharing payment details or relying on premium plans that promise data protection but lack verification.

Confidence Score
30%

Risk Insights

⚠️

Significant Privacy Concerns

Extensive user data is logged and sold to third parties.
Users cannot opt out without losing service functionality.
Peer-to-peer network model poses unique legal and security risks.
🔍

No Independent Security Audit

Claims of data protection are unverified by third parties.
DNS leaks confirmed, missing key security features.
Reviewers advise against trust due to these gaps.
📉

Large User Base, But Low Trust

High traffic volume with millions of monthly visits.
Poor user ratings and numerous complaints about support.
Risks outweigh benefits for privacy-focused users.

Contradictory Signals

Despite technical capacity, the service's core privacy and security stance is weak, reducing trust.

Signal A: High traffic volume and solid technical infrastructure

Signal B: Serious privacy and security risks reported by multiple sources

Category Scores

Identity 30/100
Reputation 25/100
Technical 40/100
Content 35/100
Legal 30/100
Business Validity 25/100

Red Flags & Warnings

  • Extensive user data logging and selling undermine the fundamental privacy VPNs should provide.
  • Peer-to-peer operation exposes users to legal risks as their IPs can be misused by others.
  • Lack of independent audits and DNS leak vulnerabilities indicate poor security enforcement.
  • Low user ratings and complaints about support and service stability reduce trustworthiness.

🔎 Detailed Checks & Analysis

Identity Check

Score: 70/100
Passed

"The domain was created in 2018 and uses a reputable registrar (GoDaddy). However, registrant information is not public, which reduces trust."

Reason: Domain is mature with proper SSL and registrar but lacks clear ownership transparency.

Reputation Check

Score: 25/100
Failed

"Reviews consistently warn about data logging, selling, peer-to-peer risks, and poor customer service."

Reason: Many expert and user reviews report privacy violations, security vulnerabilities, and potential fraud.

Technical Check

Score: 40/100
Failed

"Despite using reputable hosting and SSL, lack of independent audits and leak tests weaken the technical trust."

Reason: Security features are inadequate with DNS leaks and missing protections like kill switch.

Content Check

Score: 35/100
Failed

"Privacy notices and terms show user data collection and monetization that users cannot fully opt out from."

Reason: Privacy policies admit data sharing and extensive logging, conflicting with VPN privacy standards.

Legal Check

Score: 30/100
Passed

"Terms shift legal risks to users, especially given peer-to-peer network use and data sharing policies."

Reason: No public legal disputes, but user indemnification clauses and liability disclaimers present.

Business Validity Check

Score: 25/100
Failed

"No trademark conflicts found but reputation concerns and lack of transparency detract from business credibility."

Reason: Business practices are questionable given lack of audits and significant user complaints.

Your Next Steps

  • 1
    Avoid using Urban VPN for privacy-sensitive or critical security needs.
  • 2
    Do not share financial information or subscribe to premium plans without cautious verification.
  • 3
    Consider alternatives with verified privacy policies and security audits.
  • 4
    Report any suspicious activity or unauthorized charges linked to Urban VPN transactions.
  • 5
    Monitor your network for unusual activity if you have used Urban VPN's peer-to-peer service.

Evidence & Citations