How to Stop Contact Form Spam in WordPress?

WordPress is a well-known name in the IT world. It is well said that popularity brings advantages and disadvantages too. Similarly, contact form spam in WordPress is getting into talk in the IT market. One of the most talked about threats to any website is using contact forms and inviting abuse and spam.

As contact forms consist of blank fields, any spam bots can fill out these fields in the way they like. It is normal to get 1 or 2 messages, but if it’s happening repeatedly, you have to take it seriously. There are possibilities you will lose the real message from the potential customers. For all this, the spam bots are the main culprit. Before getting into deep it’s time to study what is Spam bots.

What are Spam bots?

Spam Bots: Automated Pestilence

Spam bots are malicious computer programs designed to automate the sending of spam. They are the digital equivalent of unsolicited junk mail, but far more pervasive and efficient.

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How Spam Bots Work

• Creating fake accounts: These bots generate numerous fake profiles on various online platforms to spread their spam content.  
• Harvesting email addresses: They scour the internet to gather email addresses, building extensive lists for mass spamming.  
• Sending spam messages: Once armed with email addresses or platform accounts, spam bots relentlessly distribute unwanted messages, often containing advertisements, scams, or malware.  
• Overloading systems: By flooding platforms with spam, they can disrupt normal operations and hinder user experience.

Types of Spam

Spam bots can distribute various forms of spam, including:

• Email spam: Unwanted commercial or deceptive messages sent via email.  
• Social media spam: Spammy posts, comments, or messages on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.  
• Comment spam: Irrelevant or promotional comments on blogs and websites.  
• Form spam: Automated filling of online forms with spam content.

Now, we will study the various techniques to block the contact form spam in WordPress.

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What Are the Best Practices for Controlling Spam in WordPress?

1. Use a Strong Anti-Spam Plugin

A dedicated anti-spam plugin can be your first line of defense.

Some popular options include:  

• Akismet: This is a well-known plugin that effectively filters out spam comments and contact form submissions.  
• Contact Form 7 Honeypot: This plugin specifically targets contact form spam using the honeypot method.  
• Google reCAPTCHA: While not a standalone plugin, it’s a robust anti-spam tool that can be integrated into many contact form plugins.

2. Implement CAPTCHA

CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) is a challenge-response test used to determine whether a user is a human or a computer. It’s a reliable way to deter spam bots.  

• reCAPTCHA: Google’s reCAPTCHA is a popular choice, offering various levels of protection.  
• hCaptcha: An alternative to reCAPTCHA, hCaptcha also provides effective spam protection.  

3. Honeypot Fields

A honeypot field is a hidden field in your contact form that only bots can see. If this field is filled out, the submission is likely spam.  

Many anti-spam plugins, like Contact Form 7 Honeypot, utilize this method.  

4. Limit Form Submissions

Restricting the number of submissions from a single IP address can help to prevent spam attacks. Selected contact form plugins provide this feature.  

5. Block Spammy IP Addresses

If you identify the IP addresses of spammers, you can block them manually in your WordPress settings or use a firewall plugin.  

6. Regularly Update WordPress and Plugins

Keeping your WordPress installation and plugins up-to-date is essential for security. Updates often include patches for vulnerabilities that spammers exploit.  

7. Consider a Firewall Plugin

A firewall plugin can provide an additional layer of protection by blocking malicious traffic and detecting suspicious activity.  

Additional Tips

• You can opt for a branded form with built-in anti-spam features.  
• Monitor your contact form submissions regularly to identify any suspicious activity.
• Be cautious of free contact form plugins as they might not offer adequate spam protection.

By combining these methods, you can significantly reduce spam on your WordPress contact form and protect your website

Wrapping

Combatting contact form spam in WordPress is essential for maintaining the integrity of your website and ensuring genuine interactions with your audience. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, such as using CAPTCHA, employing spam filters, and regularly updating and monitoring your plugins, you can significantly reduce spam submissions and protect the user experience.

Remember, staying proactive and vigilant is key to keeping your WordPress contact forms spam-free. By taking these steps, you can enhance the security and effectiveness of your website’s communication channels, ultimately fostering a more positive user experience for your visitors.