In the past this has concerned me too, so I used an IP tracker and on the map my IP was 4 miles from my house. So I found out that I don't have a IP specific to my actual geographic address.
There are also a number of ways to get another a new IP, one by simply turning of your modem for a while and tuning it back on.
I am only growing four plants at a time and have no criminal record so I don't see them targeting me even if they worked out who I am and the punishment on four plants would be minimal if they did (UK).
I have done enough grows on forums and never even had a worry about it, I am more worried/careful about people like landlords and utilities when I need something done in my flat.
There is also a fuck of a lot of cyber crimes going on out there and governments can't keep up with that as it is , let alone worry about me a small time pot grower.
Vpn is a good idea, one thing I find a vpn useful for is watching programs in other countries but also keeping what you looking at hidden etc. VPpn's are not illegal and millions of people have them, so you won't stick out like a sore thumb, you'll just be a needle in a huge haystack.
Good point about turning of GPS faded, also I you use a smart phone, when you take pictures with your smart phone the geo location can be stored in the photograph. There are lots of programs that will remove this for you. It is wise to do this. I personally don't use my smart phone to photgraph my plants, instead I use a camera which has no GPS on it.
lol ep still using LSD money? (L=Pounds S=Shillings D=Pence)