Have you or someone you know suddenly got hit with a scam while simply browsing the internet?
Imagine this: you open a recipe site or click a news article. Everything seems fine…until you start getting annoying notifications from that site, even when your browser is closed.
You think you never signed up for this. But you may have given that site access to send you notifications — without realizing it — just by clicking “Allow.”
The same goes for your microphone, camera, and exact location.
If a website gets this access, it can collect your personal information and target you with fake calls or texts.
But here’s the good news: you can stop that from happening — and that’s why we created the Futureproof browser extension.
How Does It Work?
Futureproof is a free extension that shows when any website can use your camera, microphone, exact location, or send notifications — and lets you block that access instantly.
For now, the Futureproof extension works on desktop computers with the Chrome browser. It takes a few seconds to install — and gives you protection that lasts.
It’s easy — just follow the pictures and take 5 simple steps:
Step 1: Install the Extension
Download the Futureproof extension from the Chrome Web Store.
Step 2: Visit Any Website
Browse the internet like you normally do — shop, read, or watch videos.
Step 3: Stay Informed
If any new website you visit can use your camera, microphone, location, or send you notifications — you will see a message.
This way, the extension lets you know this site has access to your information.
Step 4: See What’s Happening
You’ll see a small widget on the side of your screen. It shows exactly what any site can currently use (camera, microphone, location, or notifications).
Step 5: Stay in Control
Don’t want a website to track your location or listen to your voice? Click the widget and switch off what you don’t want. It's like switching off a light — no need to dig into browser settings.
That’s it! You’re in charge now.
Why Does This Matter — And How It Protects You
You might say, “There’s nothing wrong with sites wanting to access my microphone, camera or location.” But the reality is, once you give them access, sites may:
Collect your personal conversations for advertising
Sell your data to third-party marketers
Use your location to target unwanted ads or offers
Build a digital profile of your habits, interests, and needs
Here’s how scammers use this information:
A fake shopping site asks to send you notifications — and later floods your screen with scam messages like, “Your bank account is locked! Click here.” You panic and click — and that’s the trap because:
You might be taken to a fake bank login page that steals your real password
You might be asked to enter your credit card details
Your device might download a virus that steals your data
A news website asks for access to your location and microphone, and if you give it — this site can sell this information to advertisers.
Then, advertisers may share or sell that data to data brokers, who use your phone number, purchase history, or even public records to build a full profile of you. This profile can then be resold to anyone — including scammers.Some sites use access to record audio in the background — even when you don’t realize your microphone is on. That’s how you ‘suddenly’ get annoying ads for washing machines minutes after you mentioned them in a casual conversation.
Some fake websites pretend to offer customer support for banks or Medicare, or even virtual church services. When you give camera access, the site can record video or take screenshots of you — sometimes while you’re showing ID or filling out forms.
Scammers then use these images to create fake profiles and target other victims. In more serious cases, they threaten to leak the footage unless you pay — a tactic known as webcam blackmail.
With the Futureproof browser extension, you can block unwanted access and automatically prevent scammers from using that access against you.
That’s how you stay safe and private online.
Still need help?
Contact us