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A real CAPTCHA asks you to solve a challenge in the browser, such as selecting matching images or typing displayed characters. If a page tells you to open Run, Terminal, PowerShell, Command Prompt, or another system utility and paste or run text, stop. The Federal Trade Commission’s rule is direct: “Real CAPTCHAs won’t ask you to run commands on your device.”
What makes a CAPTCHA or verification prompt suspicious?
Focus on the action the page requests, not how familiar or polished it looks. A challenge that stays in the browser and asks you to identify images or enter displayed characters is ordinary CAPTCHA behavior. A prompt that asks you to operate your computer, use keyboard shortcuts to paste text, or run a command is a decisive warning sign.
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- Stop if it asks you to open a system tool: Windows Run, Terminal, PowerShell, Command Prompt, or a similar utility should not be part of a CAPTCHA.
- Do not paste page-provided text: A page may place text on your clipboard after you click a fake verification control, then coach you to paste and execute it.
- Be wary of unusual keyboard instructions: The FTC describes a scam sequence that asks users to press Windows + R, Ctrl + V, and Enter.
- Do not trust appearance alone: Microsoft has documented ClickFix lures that imitate Google reCAPTCHA and Cloudflare Turnstile.
Microsoft describes ClickFix as social engineering: a page persuades the visitor to launch a command themselves. Some observed pages use JavaScript to copy an obfuscated command to the clipboard when the visitor interacts with a fake widget. The page then gives instructions for pasting and running it. The University of Oregon Information Security Office warns that the same tactic can be presented as a fake CAPTCHA, error, update notice, or other prompt, and specifically flags requests to copy a URL from the browser address bar.
As the University of Oregon Information Security Office puts it: “You should never copy and paste or drag and drop to complete a CAPTCHA!” See its ClickFix guidance.
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Why a convincing page can still be a scam
Branding, a verification checkbox, or a familiar-looking challenge does not prove a page is legitimate. Microsoft reports that ClickFix pages have spoofed known verification services, including Google reCAPTCHA and Cloudflare Turnstile. A real site can also be compromised, so reaching a prompt through a site you recognize does not make every instruction safe.
The route to the page can be deceptive, too. Microsoft says people may be directed to these lures through phishing, malicious advertising, or compromised websites. Because the user is tricked into launching the command, conventional or automated protections may not always catch the attack. A browser warning is not a guarantee that a prompt is safe.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
What to do when a verification page asks you to run something
- Do not follow the system-tool instructions. Do not open the requested utility, paste the clipboard contents, or run an unfamiliar command.
- Leave the page. Close it or navigate away without interacting further with its verification controls.
- Report a suspected scam page. The FTC directs consumers to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
What to do if you already followed the instructions
Seeing the page is not the same as running its command or downloading something. If you did execute a command or download a file, act promptly. The FTC recommends this sequence:
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- Run a security scan on the device.
- Update software and apps to their current versions.
- Use a different device to change passwords and enable two-factor authentication, in case credentials were exposed.
- Report the suspected scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
The FTC warns that exposed information may include email login details and mobile banking credentials. Do not use the affected device to change passwords if you are concerned it may be compromised; the FTC’s advice is to use a different device.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
How large have reported ClickFix campaigns been?
One historical figure illustrates why these lures deserve attention, but it is not a current estimate of all ClickFix activity. In an alert dated October 29, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center reported that a TA571 campaign beginning in March 2024 sent over 100,000 emails and targeted thousands of organizations globally. That number describes the reported scale of that campaign, not the total or present-day prevalence of ClickFix attacks.
Quick Recap
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- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
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