08/19/2026
This month’s Cyber Smart with Oxler tip: Be Cautious of Fake CAPTCHA Scams
You've likely encountered CAPTCHAs that ask you to identify images or type a few letters to prove you're human. However, cybercriminals are now creating fake CAPTCHAs that instruct users to press certain keyboard shortcuts or type commands into their computer.
A legitimate CAPTCHA will never ask you to press keys like Windows + R, Command + R, Ctrl + V, or enter commands into your device. These prompts are designed to trick you into installing malware or giving attackers access to your computer.
If a CAPTCHA asks you to perform anything beyond clicking images, checking a box, or entering the characters you see, close the webpage immediately.