Smartphone displaying a fake CAPTCHA page that triggers hidden international SMS messages, with warning icons and rising mobile phone bill charges.

Cybercriminals are using fake CAPTCHA pages to trick users into sending multiple international SMS messages, causing unexpected charges on mobile bills. The scam looks like a normal “prove you’re human” verification step but secretly opens the phone’s SMS app with pre-filled messages and premium-rate numbers.

Smartphone displaying a fake CAPTCHA page that triggers hidden international SMS messages, with warning icons and rising mobile phone bill charges.Smartphone displaying a fake CAPTCHA page that triggers hidden international SMS messages, with warning icons and rising mobile phone bill charges.

Researchers say the campaign uses SMS pumping fraud, where attackers profit from high international messaging fees through revenue-sharing systems. Victims are often redirected through malicious ads or fake telecom websites, and a single interaction can reportedly generate around $30 in SMS charges.

Users should never complete CAPTCHA checks through SMS, monitor phone bills for unusual international charges, and ask carriers to block premium or international texting if not needed. Avoid suspicious websites and leave any page that opens your messaging app unexpectedly.


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