Opy-And-Paste Scam Targets Google Chrome Users

Scott Simon

2 min read

·

11-01-2025

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A new scam is targeting Google Chrome users, preying on their reliance on the copy-and-paste function. This sophisticated phishing attack cleverly disguises malicious links within seemingly innocuous text, making it difficult for even tech-savvy users to identify. The scam exploits a vulnerability in how Chrome handles certain characters within copied text.

How the Scam Works

The scam typically begins with a seemingly legitimate email, message, or social media post containing a link. This link might appear to lead to a popular website, a news article, or even a friend's profile. However, the link is cleverly masked. When a user copies and pastes this link into their browser's address bar, rather than displaying the expected URL, Chrome renders a different, malicious address. This malicious address often redirects the user to a phishing site designed to steal their personal information, such as login credentials, banking details, or credit card numbers.

The Crucial Detail: Invisible Characters

The key to this scam's success lies in the use of invisible or non-printing characters inserted within the copied link. These characters are not visible to the naked eye, but they alter the URL when pasted into the address bar. Chrome's rendering engine then interprets the modified URL, leading the user to the malicious site. This deceptive technique bypasses many standard anti-phishing measures.

How to Protect Yourself

While Google is working on addressing this vulnerability, users can take steps to protect themselves:

• Careful Inspection: Before pasting any link, carefully examine the text for unusual characters or formatting inconsistencies. While invisible characters are hard to spot, inconsistencies in spacing or formatting can be clues.

• Type the URL Directly: Instead of copying and pasting links, consider typing the URL directly into the browser's address bar. This eliminates the risk of invisible characters altering the address.

• Hover Over Links (Before Clicking): Before clicking on any link, hover your mouse over it. Chrome will display the actual URL in a tooltip. This allows you to check the legitimacy of the link before visiting it.

• Keep Software Updated: Ensure that your browser and operating system are updated to the latest versions. Software updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities like this.

• Use a Reputable Antivirus Program: A robust antivirus program can help detect and block malicious websites.

Strong Password Practices: Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. This minimizes the damage if your credentials are compromised.

This new copy-and-paste scam highlights the ongoing threat posed by sophisticated phishing attacks. Staying vigilant and employing these preventative measures can greatly reduce your risk of falling victim. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, or if you are unsure about the legitimacy of a link, err on the side of caution.