Stop Skype Spam

Skype is one of the most popular programs in Internet communications. As Skype’s popularity continues to skyrocket, its millions of users have been experiencing an increasing amount of spam. Among the most annoying offenders are porn spam, stock spam, account details, and shady lotteries from various countries. Users are report receiving one to as much 20 or more spam messages a day.

Unfortunately for Skype users, a spam filter similar to email spam filtering is not available. It appears that Skype has no plans to launch anything similar to that. However, you can take spam management into your own hands. Completely eliminating spam is unlikely, but by following some simple steps you will reduce your spam messages dramatically.

• Set your privacy settings to only allow your people in your Contact List to contact you. To do this, go to File--> Privacy…--> Select the second privacy option--> Save. This is the most important step. If you cannot choose this setting for any reason, trying the rest of these steps will help.

• Change your status. In the Skype message boards SkypeMe! mode has been lovingly dubbed PornMe. If you routinely leave your status set to SkypeMe!, you’re leaving yourself much more vulnerable to spam, especially because of the Skype Directory. In a similar vein, remove as much personal information as you can from your profile. Gender seems to be a particular flag for spammers.

• Block spammers. You can choose to block them from the message window or in your settings. By selecting Blocked Users in the Privacy window, you can see a list of blocked users as well as a pull down list of every user who has messaged you. You can select individual users from the list, then click block this person. This will not dramatically reduce the spam messages, but it will eliminate repeats and probably make you feel a little better.

• Report abuse to abuse@Skype.net. You may also report abuse here http://support.skype.com/?_a=tickets&_m=submit . The support form allows you to select a specific category for the type of spam you’re receiving. While this may not help immediately, it will help Skype identify problem areas and improve future versions of Skype.

If you are being bombarded with constant spam and vishing calls and messages, you may want to consider an alternative to Skype. It can be difficult for those in a home office setting to switch to software your clients don’t have, but if Skype is cutting down your productivity then trying something new can’t hurt. VOIP News offers some great alternatives.