There’s a new trend gaining popularity among cybercriminals in the form of CAPTCHA scams.
Who among us hasn’t used one of these common digital security measures? They’re designed to stop bots from accessing websites and require us to prove we’re human.
While their premise is useful and they serve a worthwhile purpose, it’s their common and trusted nature that’s made them a tool some scammers have tried to weaponize.
How to Spot and Avoid Fake CAPTCHA Scams
A CAPTCHA is typically a simple command that a user must perform to prove they’re not a robot.
It can be as simple as checking a box. In some cases, however, they’re a bit more complex. Many CAPTCHAs ask people to identify objects in a photo, or turn a photo a certain direction. These are generally fine, and represent a standard security checkpoint.
The advancements in these security measures are designed to thwart bots, which are being programmed more intelligently. However, scammers understand that the public trusts CAPTCHAs. This is why they’ve created schemes designed to mimic them.
Common CAPTCHA scams will typically ask the user to enter commands, such as Win+R or CTRL+V. However, when the user inputs these keys, they’re actually pasting code into their computer’s Command Prompt, which will install malware.
As a general rule, be suspicious of CAPTCHAs on pages that don’t seem to need them. Unless you’re logging into a site or verifying your identity for security reasons, you likely won’t need a CAPTCHA. And even then, any directions to perform keyboard commands or copy and paste should be viewed as a scam.
More often than not, CAPTCHAs are safe. Especially if you’re simply checking a box, you’re good to go. But knowing how scammers weaponize these common security checkpoints into schemes can help you stay vigilant and stay safe.
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