How to Prevent Google Forms Spam (3 Methods)

Last Updated: Sat Jun 29 2024

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.

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

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

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

And select "Response validation." from the menu.

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

7. Enter an error prompt like "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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.