> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.powerfulform.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.powerfulform.com/troubleshooting/prevent-spam.md).

# Prevent spam submissions

Stop bots from filling your form with fake entries. Start with a captcha, then add more layers if spam continues.

## Choose an option

<table><thead><tr><th width="193.5">Option</th><th>What it does</th><th>Best for</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Google reCAPTCHA</strong> ⭐</td><td>Blocks bots with a risk check or challenge</td><td>Most stores (recommended first step)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>hCaptcha</strong></td><td>Same purpose, different provider</td><td>Stores that prefer an alternative to Google</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Require login</strong></td><td>Only logged-in customers can submit</td><td>Forms that don't need to be open to the public</td></tr><tr><td><strong>One submission per customer</strong></td><td>Blocks repeat entries by email or phone</td><td>Stopping duplicate or repeated spam</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Block email domains</strong> <em>(Pro plan)</em></td><td>Rejects emails from specific domains</td><td>Spam coming from known domains</td></tr></tbody></table>

### 1. Add Google reCAPTCHA (recommended)

Blocks bots before they can submit, while real customers pass easily.\
👉 [Add Google reCAPTCHA](https://globosoftware.gitbook.io/globosoftware-docs/integrations/google-recaptcha)

### 2. Add hCaptcha

An alternative captcha. Use it instead of reCAPTCHA, not alongside it.\
👉 [Add hCaptcha](https://globosoftware.gitbook.io/globosoftware-docs/integrations/hcaptcha#invisible-hcaptcha-runs-quietly-in-the-background)

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-592c838012992ba9068eba5d3e1408f529895b8e%2Fimage%20(33).png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 3. Require login to submit

Only customers logged in to their store account can submit the form. Bots rarely create accounts, so this stops most of them.

* Best for member-only or B2B forms
* Not suitable for public forms such as general contact forms, since visitors would have to sign in first

👉 [Learn more](https://globosoftware.gitbook.io/globosoftware-docs/customers-and-registration/require-login)

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-a4ff61f839e47fc8d52de7b820612b99fdf34153%2F2026-09-28_18-30-05.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 4. Limit one submission per customer *(Pro plan)*

Restrict each customer to one submission, based on email or phone number.\
👉[ Limit one customer one submission](https://globosoftware.gitbook.io/globosoftware-docs/submissions/one-submission-per-customer)

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-7be0b9d69a396e25f15bd90dbf1ac37970c66ab8%2Fimage%20(32).png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 5. Block email domains *(Pro plan)*

Reject submissions from domains you choose.\
![](https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-0772ae5c24bd11368fe1f4b0b5e2cedb78aeb9b8%2F2026-09-28_18-32-56.png?alt=media)

### Still getting spam?

Combine options. A captcha plus one more layer stops most spam. If it continues, contact support at <support@powerfulform.com>

## Next steps

* [Google reCAPTCHA](/integrations/google-recaptcha.md) — add a challenge.
* [hCaptcha](/integrations/hcaptcha.md) — the alternative challenge.
* [Contact support](/help/contact-support.md) — if the problem is still there.