All lessons › Level 4: Advanced tricks

Fake "I am not a robot" checks

Some fake websites show "Verify you are human" and then tell you to press keys: Windows + R, then Ctrl + V, then Enter. On a Mac they say: open Terminal and paste.
This runs a hidden command that installs a virus and steals your passwords and money.
A real check only asks you to tick a box or pick pictures. No real website ever asks you to paste anything into Run, Terminal, PowerShell or Command Prompt.

RememberNever paste into Run or Terminal because a website says so.

Example from the test

Verify you are human.
Step 1: Press Windows + R
Step 2: Press Ctrl + V
Step 3: Press Enter

Answer: Scam. This is a fake check. Those keys paste and run a hidden command that installs a virus. Close the page.

A website says: "To prove you are human, open Terminal and paste this command." What do you do?

Answer: Close the page and do not paste anything. No real website asks you to paste commands. On a work computer it is even more dangerous.