Skype Scam
Posted by Michelle Moquin on May 6th, 2010
Hey everyone….this is a scam that needs to be exposed because many people are using SKYPE. I use Skype to touch base with my friends overseas mostly. ZL: I know this is the way that you stay in touch with you SG pals. I have already fixed my settings per their suggestions – perhaps this would be good for you to do too.
Scambusters:
In this week’s Snippets issue we feature two phone-related tricks — the Skype scam and the Yellow Pages con.
Both are the latest examples of Internet fraud: Skype for dangerous malware, advance fee scams and phishing, and Yellow Pages for phony invoices.
As we explain, Internet security software, common sense and vigilance will stop them dead in their tracks.
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Skype Scam Delivers Spam and Malware
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Say it loud and it sounds like the start of a tongue-twister, but “Skype scam” is far more mischievous and troublesome than that.
Skype is a software program that enables you to use the Internet to make free or cheap phone and video calls, with tens of millions of users throughout the world.
Owned by eBay, it’s the biggest of a number of outfits providing a similar service using what’s known as ”VoIP” (Voice Over Internet Protocol).
But being the biggest also makes it the most vulnerable to a VoIP scam and several have emerged as the program’s popularity has grown.
We won’t get technical, so if you want to know more about Skype, visit their website. And if you’re already a user, you need to be on the alert for a Skype scam.
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1brMXJGFr0tWfo&b=C.osrBmiNleim9NLt4Erzw
The most common Skype scam is the use of Skype for spaham (intentionally misspelled), including the Nigerian advance payment scam and lottery scams.
See these earlier issues for more on Nigerian and lottery scams.
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1brMXJGFr0tWfo&b=k8XSa39UKF_LFCz9G_wCGA
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1brMXJGFr0tWfo&b=.CDJA84ScDxRBfAAyXzcFQ
Since Skype is one of those programs that, if installed, can launch by default when you start up your computer, it sits there ready and waiting whether you’re using it or not.
If, also by default, your Skype is set to show you are online, any other Skype user can send you a message. Hence the spaham.
To avoid this, you might want to change your status to ”invisible” (though this means genuine users won’t be able to “see” you either) or even stop Skype from launching when your computer starts.
Both of these can be done via Skype’s Options setting, but if you need more guidance use the program’s Help or visit the Skype website.
A more insidious Skype scam arrives on your computer via malware — viruses, Trojans and other nasty programs you unintentionally download and install on your computer by clicking on infected email attachments or visiting malicious websites.
To learn more about malware, check out this earlier Scambusters issue.
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1brMXJGFr0tWfo&b=OKw6Aj7DoMGulDysFFOrpw
In the case of this Skype scam, the malware records your phone conversations. You might wonder who would be remotely interested in your private discussions, but you’d be surprised what information you might give away in a conversation.
Another malware-related Skype scam involves opening an email attachment claiming to be a “Skype toolbar for Outlook.”
This is a new Skype scam, first seen in March and expected to increase in incidence in the coming months. It installs spyware on your PC.
Skype is also used for phishing. In this case, a spaham message pretends to be a malware warning from “Skype Security Center.” But if you click on the link in the message — guess what — malware is exactly what you get.
To avoid these Skype scams, simply make sure you have up to date Internet security software installed. Then apply our usual rule about not opening attachments or clicking on links in messages from people you don’t know.
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Yellow Pages Scam Switches to Online Directories
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Let’s switch the focus now to another phone-related scam — the use of the “Yellow Pages” name to con victims.
In an earlier issue, we explained how scammers use the Yellow Pages name and the “walking fingers” logo by sidestepping trademark rules.
They send out renewal notices to small businesses by clipping out their existing directory listing and sending an official looking invoice.
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=8JUKO&m=1brMXJGFr0tWfo&b=x40G79X_1XYZhaA7jDPx1g
This scam is still going great guns. Having swept the US, it’s now tearing through Canada.
But a newer version has, like pretty much every other scam, moved online, using the non-copyrighted tag of ”Online Yellow Pages” (which is also used by legitimate directory companies in their marketing).
Again, the caller (or, in a few recent cases, a fax message) says they want to update the victim’s online listing, or they may make a phony offer to add your existing (legit) listing to an Internet directory.
The point here is that these tricksters may actually publish your details (on paper or online) but in directories that are next to useless — neither promoted nor distributed effectively.
This enables the scam artists to actually stay inside the law.
If you’re running a small business, whether you have or have not advertised in Yellow Pages type directories, be very wary about unsolicited telesales calls or official looking invoices and order forms.
Don’t place a listing order without thoroughly checking out the solicitor. And check the sender details and the fine print on any documents you receive.
Let’s face it, telephones (the “old-fashioned” sort, cell phones and the Internet variety) have been a mainstay in our lives for decades and we’d be lost without them.
But make sure you don’t lose out in a different way – by falling for a Skype scam or a Yellow Pages scam.
Readers: I have received these Yellow Pages calls before, and I didn’t even know they were scams. I never gave them my information. They would call asking to confirm my business information so that they could add me to their internet directory. What gave me a clue was that if they wanted me to confirm my info, then they must’ve known my info – right? So I would throw the question back and ask at the caller to confirm my info. The caller would hem and haw with some excuse, to which then I responded by saying ‘Goodbye’, and hanging up.
Zen Lill: Nice to chat with you yesterday. I agree with you, small dinner parties are so much fun. As far as Randoff and me: We’re cool – we kissed and made up. :)
A WOMAN’S WEEK AT THE GYM AKA Marie: Hey, I was about to get on your case that you already posted Wednesday, but then I saw Thursday. Too funny.
Claire: Thank you – that article that you provided the link to was so interesting and informative. It is inspiring thoughts of a conspiracy. What do you think?
Faye: You know your husband better than any other, or at least you thought – it looks like you are possibly learning something new (?) I have learned that many men who are prominent anti-gay activists are just masking their own true feelings. It really is too bad that men feel they need to go to such extremes to counter what they desire. I feel for you. A discovery of that magnitude is not and easy thing to face for you and your family.
Laura: Maybe you should have him strap his gun on, while you’re getting it on. Ya know…Give it a little stroke or two…Perhaps the presence of his gun will power up his gun. Good luck. :)
Gloria: I love what I do, so I’m always interested in new clients who want to transform or enhance their look. And if you’re blessed with a beautiful bod, style is simply a matter of taste. However my guarantee to all of my clients, regardless of body shape, is that we will together discover, define and refine their unique style, and enrich and bring focus to their best features. And I assure them it is always a delightful and enlightening experience. I look forward to your call. But I promise you, I am strictly pro. :)
Ted: I’m not sure if you were speaking to me, or Gloria, or both of us. But no matter. Sounds like you and your wife have quite the interesting and exciting life. So….you’re locals? Cool. I love the Supper Club. Although, I have to laugh about your comment to Doug. I won’t speak for him, but I’m pretty sure if we ever meet, you’re gonna have to find another butt buddy for the evening. :)
Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my ‘loyal’(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)
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May 6th, 2010 at 10:24 am
- just read this after posting mine, had to interject my two for some of the commenters also. i knew I wanted to say something to faye, couldn’t remember what, and then I read your comment above, you covered it. I once worked for a man with 4 kids and when I told a pal that he’s gay, she said, he’s got 4 kids, hmm, 3 years later I saw his son, him and his male lover at the beach – one big happy male gay family, gay men shoot loaded sperm as well as the next guy : ) and sometimes they like to live under ‘cover’ and take thier lovin’ on the run.
- outta here – NOW…
Hi Mischa, have I mentioned that I loved this blog, hahaha, we never got to that in our chat but I do, always have and probably always will for however long it pleases you to run it : )
…and hey, I want that $100/hr session, wardrobe fun only, I have my own creative ways but you have a longer talent background, I always work within the parameters of specific collections of clothing, something I do find limiting to a certain (great) degree. Will you come to LA for some closeted fun ; )? I will be up there at some point soon as discussed, let me know…think of it as reciprocal fun. I wonder if you can guess who Gloria is? : ) oh and I have a reasonably good bod to look at while clothes are flying around but probably nothing like Gloria’s or Ted (Mr TMI’s) wife, but then again, it doesn’t matter – I’m too hetero for my own good apparently : ) a man at the gym this am told me it is not my body or my kick-ass smile that makles me so beautiful, it’s the soft soulful look in my eyes, damn, he’s good huh?
My two…
Claire, great article, interesting how dubya was into everything unsavory and is so religious at the same time.
Mischa/Tina/anybody, again I missed something – who the f is Brad? Pitt is the only one worth mentioning but I have no idea who this one is – ???
Anonymous, yes I researched and wrote about Blackwater and its doings last year on my blog, unbelievable isn’t it? It’s even deeper than you think…you seem a titch like Anonz in basic tone but that may be my own wishful thinking once again. : )
Laura, your last line had me laughing right out loud, thanks for that…although no gun power kin the sack = less fun for you, hope you have your own ways to remedy that sitch.
#16 gen info, how about the south of France, Italy’s Amalfi Coast (Italy’s Tuscany and Umbrian regions as well) and Da Nang, Viet Nam are also excellent places to live out the rest of your life, the US is kind of boring, especially a few of the places listed. #22 gen info – yeah paying bills as you go along sounds like a groovy way to live if you always have bucks in your account, many people don’t at this point in time.
On that note, I need to go dress a woman in the valey, she’s got a hot little body also, wish me luck : )
Luv, Zen Lill
May 6th, 2010 at 10:25 am
will check my skype settings also, thank you!
May 6th, 2010 at 5:51 pm
Beautiful, I have this space all to myself today : )
Mischa, I know in the end you understood my feelings/statements yesterday about women doing it for themselves just as I understood your feelings/statements re: good men standing up for womens’ rights…I’m not sure I articulted very well what I meant so just for clarification I’m adding this ‘daily thought’ by Shakti Gawain (of Creative Visualization and Living in the Light book writing fame):
‘Traditionally women have been in touch with their female energy – intuition and feelings – but they haven’t backed her up with their male energy. Many have not acknowledged what they know inside. They have acted as if they were powerless when they really are very powerful. They have sought external support and validation from MEN. As women claim their inner male and allow him to support their female energy. They feel both feminine and powerful.’
- I was referring rather ethereally to the usage of our yin/yang energy, seeking support from within (or from other women) bc it is rather telling to me that when women seek approval/validation and emotional support from men, truly trusting yourself in all our female intuitive intelligence becomes difficult, (men can have the same thing occur it manifests in a different way, I’m talking about and for women now though)…anyway, not sure if that’s any clearer, just an observation not a judgement about other women or myself for that matter. I’m pretty in touch with my yin/yang, more often than not I’m told I think like a man (as well as other things).
Checked my skype settings, I already had that in place (totally by accident I’m sure), it’s on my iPhone also, love that, I’m able to take a call from Sg or Europe anytime : )
Women of MM blog, here’s the 4 week summer challenge, can you do 10 sets of 10 reps each of your favorite sit up daily, pick one of my exercises or any other that you find effective and let’s do this thing ; ) I’m on 50/60 and working them harder and deeper, I’ve got a washboard under that soft flesh : ) and my peeps are surprised when they touch me there, I’m going to kick up the cardio a notch but here’s my secret admission: I don’t really like cardio as much as the rest of my exercises so maybe I better break out my rollerblades and get it going on that way.
Howie and Al, report in, I repeat, please report in : ) c’mon I said please…
Ok, I’ve had enough fun with being here alone for now : ) thanks for indulging me!
Caio, ZL
May 6th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
oh yeah, wanted to share some LA slang I heard today, which doesn’t mean its new, but I thought it funny. It;s a reference to beautiful women in their 20-30′s – MAW’s models, actresses, whatever…ZL
May 6th, 2010 at 6:02 pm
SMALLER PENIS AFTER PROSTATE SURGERY?
After all the time I’ve spent reviewing medical literature, not much surprises me — but I have to admit, I had never before encountered the information that having one’s prostate removed shrinks the penis.
I read about this in a research report from the University of Manitoba in Canada, which said that approximately three out of four of men who undergo radical prostatectomy for cancer end up with a penis that is shorter as a result.
Happily, the researchers found this had little impact on the men’s self-defined perception of their masculinity or their self-image. The study was small (just six men) but intimate and revealing –
in personal interviews, the researchers learned that men cope by focusing on the “bigger picture” that enabled them to “co-exist with a diagnosis of prostate cancer and accept a smaller penis as an unimportant result” of the surgery that saved their lives.
The study appeared in the October 7, 2009, online version of the European Journal of Oncology Nursing.
DOES SIZE MATTER?
As I often do with questions about prostate cancer, I called J. Stephen Jones, MD, chairman of the department of regional urology at the Cleveland Clinic Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, to learn more.
He explained that radical prostatectomy (complete removal of the prostate gland and surrounding tissue) can cause scarring or damage to the nerves adjacent to the blood vessels that lead to the penis.
Blood flow can be impeded and muscle tissue can be lost as a result, either of which can impact the size of the penis. Dr. Jones told me that the diminished size is a separate (but not unrelated) issue from erectile dysfunction (impotence)… and that the latter is “more concerning to men, especially if they were sexually active before the surgery.”
The nature of the surgery makes it impossible to completely eliminate these risks, but Dr. Jones said you can reduce the likelihood of this outcome by finding a surgeon highly experienced in “nerve-sparing” prostatectomy –
he suggests looking for one who has performed at least 250 of these operations. That level of experience means a surgeon is likely to have “more tricks, or surgical techniques within his skill set to control bleeding and identify and preserve and thus avoid damaging those nerves,”
Dr. Jones said, adding “one millimeter can make a world of difference in how much nerve damage there is.”
Fortunately, “almost all of the issues with prostatectomy can be adapted to or corrected,” said Dr. Jones. Regarding penis length, he said, “If there is a half-centimeter length difference but no functional difference, you can get used to it.”
And as for the impotence, Dr. Jones said that many treatments are now available so the problems are just about always transient: “We’re very successful at correcting these problems so men can get back to what they were doing before.”
Source(s):
J. Stephen Jones, MD, is chairman of the department of regional urology at the Cleveland Clinic Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute and is professor of surgery (urology) at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University and author of The Complete Prostate Book (Prometheus) and Overcoming Impotence (Prometheus).
May 6th, 2010 at 6:27 pm
Michelle
Just so you know. The huge market fluctuations were a manipulation done to the markets my chinese and russian crooks. It showed the US administration the power of those two countries to control the computers of the US financial infrastructure.
They used hackers to manipulate zeros in trades. They can do the same thing to your bank records. Imaging opening your account and finding all your money gone and no record that you ever had any, or the amount that you actually had.
Also imagining all the new rich because of the zeros added to their accounts.
It is real. The ability to manipulate the financial computers that contain the data that controls all the money in the US and those who own is has been hacked.
The federal government ordered all transaction that occurred within the window of that period (no pun intended) of manipulation to be reversed and all parties made whole.
Still some made a small fortune on the hack job. The US federal team will be hard at work over the next few months rounding up the crooks. But will they admit that the system can be hacked so successfully.
I doubt or who would invest or put money in banks.
Oops!
Anton
May 6th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Subject: Take two aspirin…
Every year, English teachers from across the country can submit their collections of actual analogies and metaphors found in high school essays.
These excerpts are published each year for their amusement.
Here are last year’s winners…
15. They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fences that
resembled Nancy Kerrigan’s teeth.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Dear Zen Lill,
I hear you when you ask Al and I to reply to you. However, due to certain circumstances it appears that Howie is gone from Michelle’s blog. Both Al and I do not wish to tread where we do not feel welcome. He will have to tell you his feelings himself … I am writing and these are mine.
I personally went through much in the past two years and made a decision not to comment anymore. This is Michelle’s blog, no doubt about that. Much of it was reality to me. Unfortunately things did not turn out the way they were supposed to and I lost my patience. I am only a Human who is sick and suffers chronic fatigue.
I am too sick to try to keep up with things.
Michelle does a great job communicating with her readers and does not need any assistance from either Al or myself.
It was great meeting you and many others, but the time has come for us to gracefully end our relationship. My hip boots only reach a certain height and I do not wish to tread any deeper than that.
Howie and Al are gone.
Luv to those who appreciated us.
HOWIE
May 6th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Anton, that explains so much so perfectly. I was In an afternoon mtg and getting texts ‘hv u seen Dow close, WTF?’ and others like it. I had no explanation, now I do. Thank you.
Howie, I understand. Thank you fir taking the time to come here one last time to explain, I appreciate it. I will continue to wish you and Al well, it was fun while it lasted but I guess all good things (and thankfully some bad, too) have to come to an end…
G’night, ZL
May 6th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
I don’t believe it for a moment. Howie is not here. Neither is Al. They are gone. It had to happen.
Too bad I didn’t get to go. I would have made Al one helluva space lay.
May 6th, 2010 at 11:35 pm
This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine.
Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, my Husband (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me.
Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.
I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.
My husband seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.
_________________________________
FRIDAY:
I hate that jerk Christo more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little aerobic instructor. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it.
Christo wanted me to work on my triceps. I don’t have any triceps! And if you don’t want dents in the floor, don’t hand me the darn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.
The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn’t it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?
May 7th, 2010 at 6:44 am
Michelle
Thanks for the nod. You must be a psychic. I strapped on my Lady Smith and nothing else to answer the door when he returned home. It didn’t make his d**k any bigger, but his enthusiasm went up 70%.
I guess there is nothing like f**king a naked woman with a Smith & Wesson strapped to her hip. He’s still a bigot, but he’s my bigot.
Laura
May 7th, 2010 at 6:48 am
This is a notice to those of us on the island to be careful of phony Census Takers. Census takers NEVER ask for social security numbers or bank information.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
And while the census office is encouraging residents to take part in the surveys, they are also urging them to be cautious about who they are talking to.
Census workers continue to make their way through the villages getting information to compile the 2010 Census, but the public is being forewarned that some phony enumerators are making their way around town.
Census Spokeswoman Yolie Elliott says they have been contacted by several residents that people are trying to pass themselves off as census workers, possibly scoping out housing areas.
Elliott says they have also received reports of these people asking for financial information, such as social security numbers and bank details.
She says that is something they just don’ do. Residents should pay close attention to their neighborhoods, and report any suspicious activity to the Guam Police Department, but at the same time, they are encouraged to participate in the census program.
=====================
Always asks to see the identification of anyone who claims to represent Census before you allow them into your home or you answer any questions.
Hafa adai
Anna
May 7th, 2010 at 6:50 am
President Obama is expected to nominate his replacement for Supreme Court Justice Stevens within days.
After years of court decisions that dramatically expanded the power of big corporations, the upcoming nomination battle is a big chance to show that we expect our next justice to stand up for the other 98% of us—ordinary Americans who aren’t represented by corporate lobbyists.
May 7th, 2010 at 6:59 am
What’s else can go wrong. After 20 years of learning to move on that inadequate worm of his now I read that after his prostate surgery it’s going to get smaller.
Sex, may not be everything. But I think he should bite one for the cause. Cause I certainly need a bigger dick.
May 7th, 2010 at 7:02 am
I have never written in, but I have enjoyed your comments Howie. If you are truly gone on to other worlds, I wish you the best.
If not, how did your surgery go? Perhaps it is just post operation depression. This is the time you really need your friends.
How can we help?
Misha
May 7th, 2010 at 7:04 am
Michelle
How can we check on the health articles that are posed on you site?
“m do to have prostate surgery in a month. The article about shrinkage is troubling.
Harry
May 7th, 2010 at 7:07 am
Michelle
All I can say is that I’ve turned off my skype Thanks for staying on top of things for us who can’t.
Wendy
May 7th, 2010 at 7:22 am
Zen Lill and Michelle
My husband exhibits all the signs of being a homo. He acts as if he hates their abomination, but I’m having his sick ass checked out. The more I discover how many reverends and the such are found doing the opposite of their preaching the more suspect I become.
George Rekers was often quoted in our house. Now we discover that he is getting it up the butt on trips abroad. and taking it with him to boot.
as the say —— Watch this space
Faye
May 7th, 2010 at 7:23 am
Howie
You will be missed. I wish you the best.
May 7th, 2010 at 7:50 am
Preventing Travel Headaches
Alan Rapoport, MD
David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California
Many air travelers experience migraines or tension-type headaches.
If you get airplane-related headaches, try taking an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Motrin), a few hours before you expect the headache to occur.
Or you can talk to your doctor about a prescription for Midrin — a combination of the painkiller acetaminophen, the mild sedative dichloralphenazone and isometheptene, a drug that constricts blood vessels.
Take two about two hours before the plane is scheduled to take off and two at least three hours later, with lots of water. These approaches help some people.
Also, stay well-hydrated — drink a lot of water the day before travel and the day you fly, including on the plane.
Bottom Line/Personal interviewed Alan M. Rapoport, MD, assistant clinical professor of neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, and founder and director emeritus, New England Center for Headache, Stamford, Connecticut.
May 7th, 2010 at 8:01 am
Zen Lill
You asked who Brad was. He’s the guy who wrote to Michelle on her “Who is Michelle Moquin page.
Here in Xinjiang we try to understand western man and we figure he wanted to meet her but was too shy to say so.
He embarrassed we think now we hear from him no more.
Too bad, we like Brad because he act like chinese men. They never directly approach chinese girl. They need introduction form family or paid match maker.
Oona
May 7th, 2010 at 8:04 am
Michelle
That’s my problem. You would keep ti professional. But a girl can dream can’t she.
May 7th, 2010 at 8:05 am
Howie
I couldn’t get in yesterday, I hope this makes it. Bess wishes and a speedy recovery man.
Mark
July 6th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, superb blog!