Deciphering Customer Details in OpenCart: Real Users vs. Bots (How to avoid spam?)

Posted by Joe Beahan on November 25, 2025

As your OpenCart store grows, so does the likelihood of attracting automated spam and bot-driven activity. While some attempts are obvious, others can slip through unless you know what to look for. Here are the most common red flags - and how to protect your store from them.

How to Identify Suspicious Customers

1. Nonsensical Names

Bots often generate random strings of letters or names with unnecessary numbers. If you spot customers named something like "Jdk!e4" or "Roger9 Gary3", it's a strong indicator of automated activity.

2. Odd or Low-Quality Email Addresses

Spam accounts frequently use either randomised email prefixes or predictable patterns such as firstname + object + number (e.g. 'carolinetable3@gmail.com').

You may also see addresses from lesser-known providers like @yandex.ru or @qq.com, often used in high-volume automated registrations.

3. Mismatched Billing and Shipping Details

While many bots don't bother with realism, more sophisticated attacks may use plausible billing addresses paired with unrelated or high-risk shipping destinations. Always review major geographic discrepancies before processing orders.

4. Sudden Spikes in Registrations

A large number of new accounts created in a short time is a classic sign that bots have discovered a vulnerability. These accounts usually follow the patterns above and can quickly overwhelm your admin panel.

So, how can I prevent spam and bot activity in OpenCart?

Detecting bots is helpful, but preventing them from entering your system is even better. Here are proven strategies to keep your storefront clean and secure.

1. Use a Captcha System

A modern, invisible captcha can stop bots without disrupting real customers like those 'Verify you are human' checkboxes would. Background captchas trigger only when suspicious behaviour occurs and remain invisible during normal user interaction. If you're using OpenCart, the Antropy Advanced Captcha extension is an excellent, highly effective option.

2. Add Light Verification Steps

A simple step such as email verification or optional two-factor authentication adds a strong layer of protection. The goal is to block bots - not frustrate genuine shoppers - so balance is key.

3. Enable Cloudflare Protection

Placing your site behind Cloudflare provides robust, network-level defence against bots. When needed, Attack Mode can offer heightened, temporary protection during surges in malicious traffic.

4. Strengthen Your Server Security

A secure, well-configured server can deflect a significant amount of spam and automated requests before they reach your site. We offer OpenCart-optimised hosting designed to minimise bot traffic while maintaining fast, reliable performance for legitimate customers.

Need Help Securing Your OpenCart Store?

If you're seeing suspicious sign-ups or unusual order activity, it may be time to tighten your defences. Contact us for expert advice and a tailored security upgrade for your OpenCart store.