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How to Prevent Google Forms Spam (3 Methods)

Last Updated: Sat Jun 29 2024

By: Matt Hayes

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Google Forms openness can invite unwanted spam that compromises data integrity and clutters results. But don’t worry, this article will teach you 3 practical methods on how to prevent spam in Google Forms.

Methods:

  • Set Up Custom Verification Questions
  • Implement Data Validation for Entries
  • Limit the Number of Responses

Method 1: Set Up Custom Verification Questions

To create a basic form of CAPTCHA without needing actual CAPTCHA services, you can use custom verification questions.

How to Implement:

  • Open your Google Form.
  • Click "Add Question." on the right side.
red arrow pointing to the “Add question” icon

3. Type a simple challenge question, such as "What is 5 + 3?"

red arrow pointing to a question in question field of google forms

4. Set the question type to "Short answer."

red arrow pointing to “Short answer” question type in google forms

5. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the bottom of the question for more options.

red arrow pointing to three dots in the bottom of a question in google forms

And select "Response validation." from the menu.

red arrow pointing to "Response validation" in a menu

6. Choose "Number," "Equal to," and enter '8'—the correct answer.

screenshot of three red arrows respectively pointing to ‘Number’, ‘Equal to’ and 8 in google form question field

7. Enter an error prompt like "Please answer the security question correctly to proceed."

red arrow pointing to an error prompt which is "Please answer the security question correctly to proceed."

Now if the respondent do not answer it correctly, the error message will be shown to him like this:

Error showing when attempted the wrong answer

Method 2: Implement Data Validation for Entries

Data validation ensures that the input received matches specific criteria, which helps in avoiding nonsensical or malicious entries.

How to Implement:

1. Add a question where spam entries are likely, such as an email address field.

red arrow pointing to “Enter your email” in google forms question field

2. Set the question type to "Short answer."

red arrow pointing to “Short answer” question type in google forms

3. Click on the three dots (⋮) and select "Response validation."

red arrow pointing to "Response validation" in a menu which opened by clicking on the three dots at the bottom of google forms question field

4. For an email, select "Text," "Email," ensuring the format is correct. Provide an error message like "Please enter a valid email address."

screenshot of three red arrows respectively pointing to ‘Text’, ‘Email’ and “Please enter a valid email address” in google forms question field

Method 3: Limit the Number of Responses

This method is useful for forms intended for a finite number of responses, such as event registrations.

How to Implement:

1. Navigate to the settings gear icon.

red arrow pointing to ‘Settings’ tab in google forms

2. Click on the dropdown arrow right side of the ‘Responses’ to open the ‘Responses’ settings options.

red arrow pointing to dropdown arrow right side of the ‘Responses’ to open the ‘Responses’ tab

3. Check "Limit to 1 response" to ensure each Google account can only submit one response. This will also require them to sign into their Google account.

red arrow pointing to "Limit to 1 response" toggle

Pro Tip: Monitor Your Form Responses Regularly

Regular monitoring allows you to spot any unusual patterns in responses and adjust your settings accordingly.

Regularly check the ‘Responses’ tab in your Google Form. For this, Click on the ‘Responses’ tab at the middle of the form.

red arrow pointing to ‘Responses’ tab in google forms

Look for any inconsistencies or unexpected spikes in responses. Adjust your spam prevention settings based on your findings.

By following these methods, you'll significantly enhance the security of your Google Forms against spam submissions. These methods will help in maintaining the integrity of your data and also improve the overall experience for legitimate respondents.

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