Fake CAPTCHA scam can hack your computer
A new scam is exploiting familiar CAPTCHA prompts to install malware on users' computers. The fake CAPTCHA tricks users into executing commands that lead to the installation of StealC malware, which quietly collects sensitive information. This scam is particularly effective because it preys on users' trust in common security checks.
- ▪The fake CAPTCHA scam asks users to perform keyboard shortcuts instead of the usual image verification.
- ▪Executing the commands opens a hidden Run window and installs malware without any warning.
- ▪StealC malware collects sensitive information such as saved passwords and cryptocurrency wallet details.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Hackers Fake CAPTCHA scam can hack your computer 'I'm not a robot' trick could install malware in seconds By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Fox News Published May 24, 2026 8:22am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for May 24 Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! You've seen CAPTCHA checks everywhere. You click a box. You move on. No big deal. Now imagine that same box asking you to press a few keys on your keyboard. It might tell you to open a command window and paste something. It feels a little odd. Still, the page looks real.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Fox News — Latest.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Fox News — Latest
