Installs Malware
In the Windows Run dialog (opened by pressing the Windows + R keys), the Ctrl + V shortcut is used to paste the current contents of the system's clipboard into the dialog box's text field.
It does not execute anything immediately; the user must press the Enter key (or click "OK") for the text that was pasted to be run as a command by the operating system.
The Role in Scams
This sequence of actions (Windows + R, then Ctrl + V, then Enter) is commonly used in social engineering scams.
Clipboard Manipulation: A malicious website runs a script that secretly places a harmful command (often a PowerShell script) onto your clipboard without your knowledge.
User Instruction: The site then prompts the user with a fake CAPTCHA or verification prompt, instructing them to perform the Windows + R, Ctrl + V, and Enter sequence.
Execution: By following these instructions, the user unknowingly pastes and executes the malicious command, which can lead to malware installation, password theft, or other security compromises.
Never follow instructions from a website that tells you to open the Run dialog and paste a command. If you believe you may have fallen victim to such a scam, run a full system scan with your antivirus software (such as the built-in Microsoft Defender in Windows) and consider changing compromised passwords.