Online Scam Prevention - Sneaky New Scams Hiding Behind CAPTCHAs and Pop-Ups

Jason Riley
Oct 10
2 min read

We’ve all seen those little puzzles online that ask you to click on traffic lights or confirm you’re “not a robot.” They’re meant to keep websites safe — but scammers have found a way to turn them into traps. This week, cybersecurity researchers uncovered a wave of fake CAPTCHA screens appearing on everyday websites, tricking people into downloading malware disguised as harmless updates. It’s a clever twist on a familiar idea, and it’s catching many users off guard.

Sneaky New Scams

Here’s how it works. A legitimate website — often one built with WordPress — gets compromised through an outdated plugin or weak password. When someone visits the site, they’re greeted by a fake CAPTCHA page. It looks ordinary, but when they click through, it automatically redirects them to another site that pushes dangerous files or fake updates. In some cases, it even installs information-stealing software designed to grab passwords and browser data. To the average user, it just looks like another quick test before seeing content.

These scams blend in because they exploit trust. CAPTCHAs have become so common that most of us click without thinking. Add a polished design and a message like “your browser needs an update,” and it’s easy to see how people get caught. Once installed, the malware can do real harm — logging keystrokes, stealing saved credentials, or redirecting your traffic to more malicious pages.

Online Scam Prevention

Protecting yourself doesn’t require deep technical skill — just a dose of skepticism. If a site suddenly asks for a CAPTCHA when it normally doesn’t, or if a download starts immediately after you click, that’s your cue to close the tab. Avoid installing anything that claims to be a browser or video-player update unless it comes directly from Chrome, Edge, or Safari. Keep your browser current, use a trusted antivirus program, and make sure it warns you about suspicious sites before they load.

If you manage a website, your role in online scam prevention is just as important. Many small business sites get hacked simply because an old plugin or theme wasn’t updated. Setting your WordPress to auto-update, using two-factor authentication for your admin login, and removing unused plugins can prevent your site from becoming part of the problem. A hacked website doesn’t just hurt you — it can infect your visitors, too.

The moral of the story? Trust your instincts. If something feels even slightly off, it’s better to pause than to click. The extra two seconds you take to think could save hours of frustration — and possibly a costly cleanup.